Country double sets up weekend for Ryan

A stable first with a double at Dubbo has set trainer Gerald Ryan up for what he hopes is a good weekend in two states.

Ryan sent Miss Celebration and Nuke to the NSW country track on Friday and both came away winners and the trainer has expectations for his Rosehill runners and Magic Alibi at Ipswich on Saturday.

“Miss Celebration was my first winner at Dubbo and to get two was good,” Ryan said.

“I may have had about four runners there all-up. They were in races that just happened to suit.”

Magic Alibi is chasing her first stakes win in the Listed Gai Waterhouse Classic (1350m) at Ipswich with her best black-type performance so far her third in the 2016 Sheraco Stakes behind subsequent Group One winner Heavens Above.

“She was going to run at Doomben two weeks ago but we scratched her because of the wet track,” Ryan said.

“She ran in Sydney instead and ran second with 61.5 kg. She is much better at the weights here.”

Magic Alibi, who carries 54.5kg, has drawn the outside gate and Ryan said she would get back in the race which he expects to be run at a good speed.

Headlining Ryan’s Rosehill runners is Harper’s Choice, runner-up to Jon Snow in the 2017 Australian Derby, in the Kensei Handicap (2000m).

The gelding finished second to Dagny, a rival again, in the Eremein Handicap (1800m) last Saturday week.

“He is back up in distance which will suit,” Ryan said.

“He looks terrific. There won’t be one that looks better in the yard tomorrow than him.

“The plan is to step up to 2400 metres in a fortnight or go to the Caloundra Cup.”

Among the stable’s other Rosehill runners is last-start Rosehill winner Albumin.

The three-year-old is on the minimum 53kg and has been backed into favouritism in early markets on the 1100m-sprint.

“Unlike Randwick, we have only had 40 mils this week at Rosehill so hopefully the track is good for him,” Ryan said.

Stablemate Tango Rain is in the same race and carries 59kg.