Trainer Gerald Ryan has featured prominently in past Champagne Stakes without tasting victory, but he views the unbeaten colt Southend as his ticket to glory.

His finest effort arrived via Williamsburg’s third placing to She’s Extreme in 2022, complemented by Flying Snitzel’s resilient fourth to Pierro in 2012.

Success in the Baillieu (1400m) paved the way to Group 1 for those runners, exactly as Southend approaches after dominating that race recently for Saturday’s Randwick centrepiece.

Teaming with Sterling Alexiou now, Ryan was instantly drawn to the young prospect at the yearling auction, so his sharp early workouts held no surprises.

“I have been excited about him ever since we bought him at the sales,” Ryan said.

“He has been so straightforward, great natured, easy to get on with. And he’s a lovely horse to look at. He reminds me of Lonhro.

“There’s a photo when he won (the Baillieu) going past the post and he dead-set looks like Lonhro. Just his colour and his action and his ears.”

The Baillieu result made Southend the debut Australian stakes graduate from sire Palace Pier, Darley’s two-time miling ace.

Such followed his first-up success in the Paul Perry (1300m) held at Newcastle on March 6, as Ryan highlights the colt’s continued rise toward his primary objective.

“This horse was never going to go to the Sires’ (Produce Stakes) He was always going to those two runs and if he was alright, to the Champagne,” he said.

“He has come out of his last win terrific. He looks well. He’s enjoying life, and he’s a straightforward little horse.”

Dylan Gibbons, victor with Southend on both occasions, sticks with the assignment at Randwick next Saturday.

Featuring as one of two Group 1s, the Champagne Stakes (1600m) pairs with the All Aged Stakes (1400m), which promises Fangirl’s fan-favourite return.

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