Rossa Ryan is gearing up for a pivotal moment in the jockeys' championship, with his main rivals, Oisin Murphy and Billy Loughnane, set to compete at the Curragh. This race at Newbury on Saturday presents an opportunity for Ryan to make significant strides in the title race, as his rivals are both riding at the Curragh. With six rides on the Newbury card, Ryan's prospects are diverse, and each race offers a unique chance to gain an edge in the championship.
One of Ryan's rides, Midak, has an intriguing history. Previously trained by Francis Graffard, Midak ran in the Derby, finishing tenth behind Lambourn. After being gelded, he showed promise with a fourth-place finish in a Listed race at Chantilly. However, a €300,000 purchase and a move to Ian Williams' stable have not yielded the expected results. Four starts later, Midak is yet to find his stride, raising questions about his future prospects.
Baileys Khelstar, on the other hand, is a strong contender. Trained by Charlie Johnston, this six-year-old has won its last two races over a similar distance. With Oisin Murphy aboard for both victories, Ryan is optimistic that the progressive horse can extend its winning streak. The 3lb rise for the latest success adds an interesting dynamic to the race, as the horse now races from a career-high mark.
Song Of The Clyde, another of Ryan's rides, has a unique connection with the jockey. They finished fourth in a Class 2 handicap at Newmarket three starts ago, and their reunion could spark a winning partnership. Trained by Clive Cox, the three-year-old has since landed a Listed race over the same course and distance, showcasing its potential. The drop to Group 3 level at Newbury presents an opportunity for Ryan to capitalize on their winning form.
Wait Geordie, an outsider in the Weatherbys Super Sprint Stakes, needs a significant turnaround in form. After a winning debut at Bath, the horse went off favorite for the Lily Agnes Stakes at Chester but finished only third. Subsequent starts have been disappointing, raising questions about its future in the sport.
Rapid Deployment, trained by Ralph Beckett, finished last on its debut under Ryan at Lingfield. However, the horse has since been gelded, and the first two home in the same race went on to contest the Group 2 Coventry Stakes at Royal Ascot. This provides an opportunity for Ryan to showcase his skills and potentially gain an edge in the championship.
New Vega, making its handicap debut for Simon and Ed Crisford, is another intriguing prospect. After almost a year off the track, the horse remains unexposed with just three starts as a juvenile. Finishing second on debut and winning by more than four lengths at Doncaster, New Vega has been backed ahead of its return, drifting from 11-4 out to 13-2. This presents an opportunity for Ryan to capitalize on the horse's potential and gain an edge in the championship.
In my opinion, Rossa Ryan's chances at Newbury are intriguing, and the jockey's ability to navigate these diverse prospects could be a game-changer in the championship. The races at Newbury offer a unique blend of experience and promise, and Ryan's skill and insight will be crucial in capitalizing on these opportunities. The jockey's performance in these races will not only impact his own title hopes but also shape the landscape of the jockeys' championship. It will be fascinating to see how Ryan navigates these challenges and whether he can make a significant move in the championship.
