Rossa Ryan's jockey championship tilt: A deep dive into his Newbury chances
Rossa Ryan is gearing up for a potential championship tilt at Newbury, with his rivals Oisin Murphy and Billy Loughnane heading to the Curragh. With six rides on the Berkshire card, Ryan has the opportunity to make up ground in the jockeys' championship. Here's a deep dive into his chances, with a focus on each of his rides.
Midak: A Derby runner with untapped potential?
Rossa Ryan's first ride comes on Midak, a horse with a fascinating history. Last year, Midak ran in the Derby for Francis Graffard, finishing tenth behind Lambourn. Following that race, he was gelded and ran once more for the Aga Khan, finishing fourth in a Listed race at Chantilly. Then, he was bought for €300,000 and sent into training with Ian Williams, but has struggled to find his form in four starts for his new yard. Three of those runs were in the Middle East, including a disappointing last-place finish in a Meydan Group 1. However, he returned from a 112-day break with a fourth-place finish in the Listed Tapster Stakes at Goodwood, which could be a sign of things to come.
In my opinion, Midak's potential is untapped. His Derby run and subsequent gelding suggest a horse with a strong foundation. The recent Goodwood performance could be a turning point, and Ryan's ride could be a strategic move to build momentum. However, the competition at Newbury is fierce, and Midak's odds of 22-1 suggest a long shot. It's a risky move, but one that could pay off if Ryan can harness Midak's potential.
Baileys Khelstar: A progressive six-year-old with a winning streak
Baileys Khelstar is one of Ryan's strongest chances, having won his last two races over a similar trip. Oisin Murphy was aboard for both victories, but Ryan will hope that the progressive six-year-old can extend his winning streak as he takes over from his championship rival. Trained by Charlie Johnston, he has been raised 3lb for his latest success and now races from a career-high mark. This is a positive sign, as it suggests a horse that is improving and ready to take on the challenge.
In my opinion, Baileys Khelstar is a horse to watch. His progressive nature and recent wins make him a strong contender. Ryan's decision to take over from Oisin Murphy is a strategic move, and the 5-1 odds suggest a horse with a real chance of success. If he can maintain his winning streak, it could be a significant boost to his championship hopes.
Song Of The Clyde: A winning partnership with Clive Cox
Song Of The Clyde is reunited with Ryan after they finished fourth in a Class 2 handicap at Newmarket three starts ago. The Clive Cox-trained three-year-old has since landed a Listed race over today's course and distance, before perhaps finding Group 1 company too much when fading into seventh of 22 in the Commonwealth Cup at Royal Ascot. He drops down to Group 3 level here and has been backed into 11-2 (from 10-1).
In my opinion, Song Of The Clyde is a horse with a bright future. His recent win and drop in class suggest a horse that is finding its form. Ryan's partnership with Clive Cox is a strong one, and their recent success at Ffos Las could be a sign of things to come. The 5-1 odds are a fair reflection of his chances, and if he can maintain his form, it could be a significant win for Ryan.
Wait Geordie: An outsider with a chance of a major turnaround
Wait Geordie is one of the outsiders in this 25-runner contest and needs a major turnaround in form. He made a winning debut at Bath before going off favourite for the Lily Agnes Stakes at Chester, but has disappointed since, finishing third and eighth of nine and last of seven on his two subsequent starts. In my opinion, Wait Geordie is a horse with potential, but his recent form has been disappointing. Ryan's ride could be a strategic move to build momentum, but the 100-1 odds suggest a long shot. It's a risky move, but one that could pay off if Ryan can harness Wait Geordie's potential.
Rapid Deployment: A gelded horse with a chance of success
Rapid Deployment finished last on debut under Ryan at Lingfield last month and has since been gelded. The Ralph Beckett-trained horse has a chance of success, as the first two home, Final Objective and Mrair, both went on to contest the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot, where they finished seventh and eighth respectively. In my opinion, Rapid Deployment is a horse with potential, and his recent gelding could be a turning point. Ryan's ride could be a strategic move, and the 14-1 odds suggest a horse with a real chance of success.
New Vega: A progressive filly with a chance of success
Ryan may have his best chance of the day aboard New Vega, who makes her handicap debut for Simon and Ed Crisford after almost a year off the track. She remains unexposed after just three starts as a juvenile, finishing second on debut before winning by more than four lengths at Doncaster. She was then fourth in a valuable race at Deauville when last seen in August, but has been easy to back ahead of her return, drifting from 11-4 out to 13-2. In my opinion, New Vega is a progressive filly with a chance of success. Her recent form and unexposed nature make her a strong contender. Ryan's ride could be a strategic move, and the 13-2 odds suggest a horse with a real chance of success.
In conclusion, Rossa Ryan has a challenging but exciting task ahead of him at Newbury. With a mix of strong chances and long shots, he has the opportunity to make a significant impact on the jockeys' championship. His rides on Midak, Baileys Khelstar, Song Of The Clyde, Wait Geordie, Rapid Deployment, and New Vega all have their own unique stories and potential. It will be fascinating to see how Ryan navigates this challenge and whether he can make a championship move.
