Trainer Gerald Ryan has conceded Dances On Stars probably isn’t up to the class of the 2015 Stradbroke Handicap (1350m) next weekend but is confident the talented gelding is capable of success in this afternoon’s Group 3 QTC Cup (1200m) at Doomben.
Dances On Stars will contest this afternoon’s Group 2 BTC Cup at Doomben. Photo: Daniel Costello
Dances On Stars failed to make much of an impact when eighth in the Listed Chief De Beers (1110m) first-up but responded well in running third amongst classy competition in the Group 2 Victory Stakes (1200m) on the Gold Coast on May 16th.
Luckless when blocked for a run and fifth in the Listed Glasshouse Handicap (1300m) on the Sunshine Coast most recently on May 16th, Dances On Stars has reportedly worked well in the lead up to the 2015 QTC Cup and will line up for the Group 2 sprint in peak condition.
Ryan confirmed Tim Bell will take the ride on Dances On Stars this afternoon and is confident he is primed for a return to the winner’s circle despite the talent-rich field confirmed for the QTC Cup.
“I don’t think Dances On Stars would be competitive in the Stradbroke and we haven’t paid up for him,” Ryan told AAP.
“He is a good Group Two and Group Three horse although he has shown form against Ball Of Muscle and Srikandi.
“And he had no luck the other day at the Sunshine Coast.”
Posting four wins and a further eight minors over his 29 career starts so far, Dances On Stars has been a strong and consistent performer for Ryan over the three most recent editions of the Brisbane Winter Carnival; notably in 2014 when taking out each of the Listed Prime Minister’s Cup (1300m) and running fourth in the Group 3 BRC Sprint (1350m).
Only eight runners have been confirmed for the QTC Cup, including talented Joe Pride-trained stable mates Ball Of Muscle and Kuro, and exciting kiwi raider El Roca.
Ladbrokes Australia has installed Dances On Stars at 2015 QTC Cup odds of $9 for success this afternoon.
