In a bumper edition of From the Stables, Peter Staples speaks with both Stuart Gandy and Bill Ryan ahead of Launceston on Wednesday night. Gandy has two runners in the first of the program for the two-year-olds, while Ryan will saddle up both Speed Force and Speedonova in the Open handicap.
Stuart Gandy
Race 1 Horse 6 Gee Gee Josie
The winner of a trial last week in Longford, she’s also a relation to the well-performed Gee Gee Double Dee.
“She’s a lovely filly, she’s done everything right so far, just been a bit slow away in a couple of her trials, but the other day at Longford she did everything right and whatever she does on Wednesday she’ll improve upon”
“(Barrier 1) it’s not a great start from the 800m, I imagine there will be a lot of pressure coming from the outside.”
Race 1 Horse 6 Gee Gee Goldenlass
Gandy has trouble splitting his two, but Gee Gee Goldenlass is certainly bred to get over much further, being a relation to GeeGees Goldengirl.
“Quite different to Goldengirl, a little bit smaller and probably more wirey. She’s done everything right and she’s going to benefit from a further trip as well.”
Watch the replay of Gee Gee Josie’s trial win in Longford last Tuesday.
Bill Ryan
Race 7 Horse 1 Speed Force
Speed Force kicks off his campaign in a race that may not be ideal, but Ryan is short on suitable options for the 7YO who has won 11 races.
“Been coming along very nicely. He’s never won first-up before, though expecting him to finish the race off very strongly at the finish.”
“Going forward we’re between a rock and a hard place with him, whether to run him in handicaps or weight for age races.”
Race 7 Horse 6 Speedonova
The 6YO mare is the pick of his pair according to the trainer, weighted to win and racing at her pet distance.
“She loves the Mowbray 1400m and she was a bit unlucky last start up here. She got tightened up a little bit on the home turn, and the horse of John Blacker’s was just a bit too strong for her.”
Watch the replay of Speedonova finishing second to Beaufort Lad a fortnight ago in Launceston.
Podcast: Play in new window | Download