Wyong preview: Sara Ryan seeks to end her private training career with Wyong trainers premiership victory

As Sara Ryan prepares to transition from private to public training, she is determined to clinch the Wyong Trainers Premiership.

Trainer Sara Ryan is looking to end the season with a bang.

As the season winds down and Sara Ryan prepares to leave her role as private trainer for Domeland is looking to go out on a high note with victory in the Wyong Trainers Premiership.

Ryan currently sits equal first alongside Kristen Buchanan with 23 winners while Kim Waugh (22) and Damien Lane (21) hot on their heels.

“The Wyong premiership is very close. We are all fighting for that at the moment,” said Ryan.

“It would be a great way to end the season if I could win it.”

The premiership would be a real feather in the cap for Ryan who is in just her third year training and set to become a public trainer in the new season.

Ryan has four runners at her home track meeting with three proven performers among the leading chances in their respective races to help her in her quest.

Fly Scotty Fly leads all the way in the Wyong opener! 💪

@GRyanRacing pic.twitter.com/6vfpvj7G0l

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 31, 2024

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Three-year-old gelding Firework is closing in on his first win after placings runner-up in three of his five starts and that can come in the Midway Maiden Handicap (1300m).

The son of Written Tycoon resumed from a spell with a head second to Denial over 1200m at Kembla on July 17 and while beaten as an odds-on favourite, Ryan was happy with his run.

“I was surprised how short he was in the market first-up,” she said.

“I expected him to be a little vulnerable late because he was carrying a big weight off a very soft trial.

“Good fitness has come through that run and he is doing things right at home to tell me he is ready for the quick back-up.

“He’s got a very big stride and I think stepping out in trip is what he needs.

“He has a sticky barrier but he has home track advantage and knows where the winning post is.”

Ryan will also saddle up first starter Warm Front in the same race.

The son of Too Darn Hot has trailed nicely including a third to Spice Prawn at Hawkesbury on July 7 but Ryan would just like to see him doing his best work late.

“It’s just a learning experience for him and he will be a better horse next time he comes in,” she said.

“As long as he hits the line strong, he will go to the paddock after this.”

How Much Better gets the win after a handful of 2nd placings! 👏 @sara_r_racingpic.twitter.com/B6SJnaa0hM

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 31, 2024

Consistent gelding How Much Better is ready to peak fourth-up in the Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m) after three solid runs, two of which in metropolitan company.

“He is knocking on the door and is now getting out to his preferred trip,” said Ryan.

“He does love Wyong. He has a great record there winning both starts.

“Apprentice Bronte Simpson will ride him. She rides him work and to win a race with her would be fantastic.”

Rounding out her quartet is The Pacific in the Class 1 Handicap (1350m).

The son of Exceed And Excel finished seventh behind Tickle Me Pink when resuming over 1200m at Newcastle on July 15 but she expects an improved run this time out.

“He blew quite hard after that first-up run and has taken good improvement from it,” Ryan said.

“He does a lot wrong as well but Regan (Bayliss) knows him.

“I have changed some gear and but a tongue tie on him. Hopefully that helps him settle that little bit better. Stepping out in trip will only help him as well.”

The gelding has shown he can improve sharply when he kicked off last campaign with a sixth at Hawkesbury before scoring his maiden win second-up at Kembla followed by a third at Wyong.

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Trainer Doug Gorrel knows the ability is there but is just playing the patient game with lightly-raced filly Rita Red.

The daughter of Cosmic Force is showing an abundance of natural speed but a lack of race craft is the difference between winning and losing at the moment.

“She is definitely still a work in progress,” said Gorrel.

“Mentally, she is just not there yet and she can do things wrong on the training track as well but she does have nice speed.

“Once she can put things together, she will be winning races.”

Rita Red began fast but couldn’t cross to the rails when resuming at Dubbo on July 10 and was wayward in the straight, ducking out sharply at the 150m when runner-up to Denman Deputy.

“She was a little bit green in the straight and she is a bit of a thinker,” he said.

Trainer Doug Gorrel is hoping a gear change can help speedy filly Rita Red break through. Photo: Grant Guy

“The winner beat her fair and square so I can’t say her waywardness cost her the win but it certainly didn’t help.”

Gorrel has made a gear change this week in a bid to help her break through in the Maiden Plate (900m).

“I am trying her in the blinkers this week just to try and keep her straight,” he said.

“We really wanted to draw a barrier this time to use the rail to her advantage and help the penny drop a bit quicker but of course she has drawn the outside.”

Gorrel was pleased with first-up run of Lost Ya Sock when second to Highland Eightgee at Dubbo and is hoping it’s the start of her showing her true potential.

“It was a good run but it wasn’t a strong race. At least she tried which I was pleased with,” he said.

It was her third placing in 12 starts and is capable on figuring in the finish of the Country Boosted Maiden Plate (1400m).

“She is the most frustrating horse I have ever trained,” he said.

“She has got a stack of ability and riders have jumped off her and said ‘she will win next start’ but she leaves it all on the training track.

“Perhaps she is just one that needs time and she probably just needs a bit of confidence.

“If she can knock off one (race), she might just go on and knock off a couple more.”