In the Frank Packer Plate at Randwick, Gerald Ryan aims to evaluate Matias’ reserves of stamina, with ample justification for expecting the three-year-old to cope with middle distances.
Matias secured the Grand Prix Stakes (1800m) success at Eagle Farm during December and now stretches further for his debut over 2000m this Saturday.
Bred by Snitzel, predominantly a sire of short-course specialists including the 2013 Cox Plate hero Shamus Award, from Never Listen – it’s her side of the family that excites Ryan.
“His first three dams have either won or been placed in an Oaks,” Ryan said.
“Never Listen is by Trusting and she ran second in a VRC Oaks. Rose O’ War is by Danehill, she ran second in a VRC Oaks and second in a Wakeful (Stakes). His third dam, Savana City, won an AJC Oaks.”
Ryan, working with co-trainer Sterling Alexiou, plots a Queensland winter program for Matias, shaped by his Randwick showing.
The Queensland Guineas (1600m) beckons on May 2 at Eagle Farm if 2000m proves beyond him, else the itinerary includes the Rough Habit Plate (2000m) at Doomben May 16 and the Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm soon after.
“We’ll go to the Frank Packer Plate and that will decide if we keep going to the Rough Habit Plate,” Ryan said.
“If he doesn’t look as though he’ll get further than 2000 metres, then we’ll bring him back to the Queensland Guineas.”
Saturday brings expectations of a forward display from Ryan, who views Matias as narrowly beaten in the Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) last time due to inside travel in the closing stages.
“If he’d been able to come around the leaders’ heels last start instead of going back inside, I reckon he nearly wins the race,” he said.
“He’s done terrific. His coat has come through, and he looks bright and well.”
Check Australian betting sites for the latest Frank Packer Plate odds.