It was merely two years ago that Munhamek emerged victorious in the Listed Winter Championship Series Final, a success that now feels like a distant past for Nick Ryan.

The esteemed eight-year-old gelding achieved that Flemington milestone, and Ryan is now hoping another eight-year-old, Highlights, can achieve a similar outcome this Saturday.

Both horses joined Ryan’s stable through different avenues; Munhamek arrived from Hong Kong, while Highlights made the move from the Guy stable in Queensland and, more recently, from Bjorn Baker’s stable in Sydney. Both have used the David Bourke Handicap (1620m) as their final lead-up race.

Highlights produced his best run for the new yard in the David Bourke Handicap, finishing third and being beaten by a narrow margin of a head behind Seafall. Ryan indicated that the integration of the horse into the stable has been a learning curve.

“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 guide for the Winter Championship Series Final, with Jimmy The Bear replicating Munhamek’s double win last year, and Tuvalu achieving the same 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 commented.

“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.”

Given Highlights’ recent performance, considering sports betting options on the race could be a worthwhile endeavour.