Ocean Beyond may not be the most reliable conveyance for punters, but he continues to be a valuable and consistent earner for his ownership group.
The Simon Ryan-trained eight-year-old is set to chase his richest reward yet in Saturday’s $500,000 Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m), where he will attempt to add further to his $535,475 in career prizemoney.
His most recent victory came in May 2022 in the Listed Straight Six (1200m) at Flemington.
Originally trained by Daniel Bowman — a stint highlighted by a 2021 Ballarat Cup Day win — Ocean Beyond later moved to Andrew Bobbin before joining Ryan’s small Warrnambool operation last year.
Though winless in 24 starts under Ryan, the gelding has pocketed more than $135,000 through a series of consistent placings.
“When he came to my stable, he was on the verge of retirement,” Ryan said.
“He hadn’t done much for a while, but as he’s gotten older, he’s stretched out in trip and has probably reinvented himself a bit.”
Ryan acknowledges the frustration that can come with training a non-winner in a small yard, but Ocean Beyond’s reliability makes him a valuable asset.
“He’s not a punter’s favourite, but from a business point of view, he earns well and covers his costs,” he said.
“We’re hoping lightning strikes and he can pinch a nice race.”
The gelding backs up after running home strongly into the placings behind Casino Seventeen and Rumbled Again in last weekend’s Group 3 Eclipse Stakes (1800m).
“His best runs for me have been on the quick back-up,” Ryan said.
“I think he can run to the same level or better than he did last Saturday.”
Ryan believes 2000 metres is his upper range but says he should stay the distance after a solid 1800-metre performance.
The gelding’s preparation has included swimming, pony club sessions, and routine trotting and cantering around Warrnambool.
“He’s great to train — he eats well, he’s sound, he enjoys his work — but his pattern of racing is not one that helps him win often,” Ryan said.
“He likes to settle back and charge late, but he’s going into this in very good order.”
“It’s probably the strongest race he’s contested, but his form says he deserves his chance.”
Those looking to back Ocean Beyond in the Ballarat Cup can compare markets via Australia’s leading bookmakers.
