Michael Cahill produces the ideal ride for Gerald Ryan as Dances On Stars claims Prime Minister’s Cup in style

GERALD Ryan knew he had the right man in Michael Cahill to coax the best out of talented sprinter Dances On Stars.

GERALD Ryan knew he had the right man in Michael Cahill to coax the best out of talented sprinter Dances On Stars, who came with a powerful burst to win yesterday’s Prime Minister’s Cup on the Gold Coast.

Twice a bridesmaid in previous features on this day, Dances On Stars proved a class above after being given a typically cold ride by Cahill.

“I was coming here today and thought he’s the right bloke to be riding this horse,” Ryan said.

“Nice and cold. That’s the way to ride him.

“Michael actually won this race for me before. He won on My Duke when it was a 2400m race in 2000.”

Dances On Stars isn’t usually fond of wet tracks, but makes an exception at the Gold Coast.

Dances On Stars (right) comes into the race strongly at the right time. Picture: Luke Marsden

“For some reason this is the only place he handles wet tracks,” Ryan said.

“He’s not a big horse and we have thrown him in the deep end right from the beginning. He was running against the best horses as a two-year-old.”

Ryan picked out the Prime Minister’s Cup a number of months ago.

“I told his owners I thought this and the BRC Sprint (1350m) were the right races to target and it’s worked out well,” he said.

Cahill was happy to wait as long as he could before asking Dances On Stars to go.

“Gerald said he only has a short sprint and after we turned I still had a lap full of horse, but I wanted to wait as long as I could,” Cahill said.

“I was able to save him for one run and it was an impressive win.

“I’m sure he can win another similar type race up here.”

Winning pair: trainer Gerald Ryan and jockey Michael Cahill. Picture: Luke Marsden