Nick Ryan aims for another Winter Championship Series victory

It was only two years ago that Munhamek claimed the Listed Winter Championship Series Final, a victory that now feels like a distant memory for trainer Nick Ryan.

The accomplished eight-year-old gelding achieved that Flemington success, and Ryan is now pinning his hopes on another eight-year-old, Highlights, to replicate that feat this Saturday.

Both horses joined Ryan's stable from varied backgrounds: Munhamek arrived from Hong Kong, while Highlights transferred from the Guy stable in Queensland and more recently from Bjorn Baker’s stable in Sydney. Their preparation has included the David Bourke Handicap (1620m) as a crucial lead-up run.

Highlights showcased his best effort for his new trainer in the David Bourke Handicap, securing third place, narrowly beaten by a head from the winner Seafall. Ryan explained that the acquisition of the horse has been a period of adjustment.

"His form with me has been a little bit patchy, but he's had excuses every time he's run badly," Ryan said.

"He looked the winner the other day, and he's come through the run well, so no doubt we'll head to the final on Saturday.

"He's very structurally good, he's a little bit quirky… he trialled well nude with no gear on at Werribee so we just stripped everything back, left the tongue tie on, but I think it certainly helped."

The David Bourke Handicap has historically been a strong predictor for the Winter Championship Series Final, with Jimmy The Bear achieving the same double as Munhamek last year, and Tuvalu doing likewise in 2022.

"I did it with Munhamek, he won that race and went on to win the final so it's generally the right way to go," Ryan remarked.

"Like I said, his form does look patchy but he's had excuses every time. Hopefully he'll improve off that run and be a lightweight chance in the final."

For those keen on the upcoming race, exploring the betting markets for the race at various online bookmakers could prove insightful.