Solicit is out to 2015 Myer Classic odds of $21, but trainer Gerald Ryan remains confident that the talented mare is ready to run well in the Group 1 event at Flemington on Saturday.
Solicit was only narrowly denied by La Passe in the Tristarc Stakes. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos
Solicit returned to a semblance of her best form at the end of her autumn campaign and she returned to the races with a very close second behind La Passe in the Group 2 Tristarc Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield on October 17.
Ryan admits that Solicit faces a tougher challenge against the likes of Royal Descent in the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m), but he is confident that she has improved from the Tristarc Stakes and looks in outstanding condition ahead of the $500,000 event.
“She spelled well after Queensland and trialed well and well and probably ran up to it,” Ryan said.
“It gets a little bit harder on Saturday, but when they were walking around the mounting yard prior to the race she looked like the only horse in the race that was going to improve off it, which I think she has.
“She has done well, worked well, looks good and it quite happy in herself.”
Solicit has shown a degree of tactical versatility during her racing career to date, but she has generally produced her best form when settled right on the pace – like she did in the Tristarc Stakes.
Ryan expects Solicit to settle in the leading group in the early stages of the Myer Classic, but he said that he will leave it up to jockey Brenton Avdulla to assess the speed and give him licence to change his tactics on the fly.
“I like to draw out a little bit with her then in close because she can take a little bit to get into her stride and she will roll forward,” Ryan said.
“I picture her being in the first three, but it depends how quick they want to go or don’t want to go.
“She will put herself there and she should give herself every chance.”
Ryan has not had a runner in the Myer Classic since On A Swing finished second behind Prairie in the 1997 edition of the race.
Solicit is currently available at 2015 Myer Classic odds of $21 with Ladbrokes, while Stay With Me ($4.20) remains a clear favourite from Royal Descent ($6), Azkadellia ($8), Miss Rose De Lago ($10) and Abidewithme ($12).
You can score the best Myer odds with leading online bookmaker Ladbrokes, who are offering Best Tote or Starting Price +20% for every race at Flemington on Saturday.
