In just 12 months Sara Ryan has forged a name for herself in racing and this Friday she could go down in history by adding a Carlton Wyong Gold Cup to her growing resume.
At just 29, Ryan would become the youngest trainer to claim the prestigious Cup and the first local to do so in many years.
Irish import The Mediterranean and Group 3 winner Parry Sound line up for Ryan in the capacity field of 16.
“They are both going really well, and either is capable of winning the race,” Ryan said.
“To win a Wyong Cup would mean so much to me, it would be fantastic. We want the Cup to stay in Wyong.”
Ryan said she has always had a very big opinion of The Mediterranean, who was placed third in the Listed Winter Cup over 2400m at Rosehill in June.
“He’s a very interesting horse. He had very good form overseas but needed a wind operation when he came over here.
“It has taken ages to get him right and then when he came back from Queensland, he got travel sickness and needed a break.”
Ryan said she decided to take the Wyong and Newcastle Cup paths to see where he would progress.
“He’s a naturally fit horse and can retain that fitness. He’ll have to do a bit of work early from the barrier but will roll forward.”
Ryan has booked Reagan Bayliss for the ride and said he galloped both The Mediterranean and Parry Sound on Tuesday and was happy with them both.
Parry sound had been second emergency and Ryan was sweating on him getting a run.
“I’m really happy Parry Sound got a run because he’s absolutely flying. He was first up in the Rowley Mile and his stats indicate it’s the best he’s ever come back.
“He gets back so the barrier doesn’t really matter and I’m hoping to engage a senior rider.”
Ryan will have to contend with one of the strongest Cup fields in recent years to see her dream come true.
A full field of 16 runners have accepted with two. Chris Waller has three starters as he vies for his ninth Wyong Cup winner in 12 years.
Kris Lees saddles up the early favourite Kalapour, who took out the Group 3 Chairman’s Handicap at Doomben in May.
Waller’s Olentia, a Group 3 winner in the autumn, is favourite for the Mona Lisa, the $200k Listed racing attracting a strong field of 15.
Damien Lane saddles up local hope Zorocat, while Victorian filly Beour Bay brings some strong form to the race.
The Nathan Berry Medal for the leading rider over the two days will be decided following Cup Day, with Adam Hyeronimus the current leader on 11, over Tyler Schiller on 10 and Jean Van Overmeire on seven.
Nathan’s twin brother Tommy will be on course to present the medal.
*Words Frances O'Shea - Pics Bradley Photos*
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