The training partnership of Gerald Ryan and Sterling Alexiou is optimistic as they prepare to send two horses to compete at Kembla Grange on Tuesday. Both horses, Harry’s Evidence and Commanding Artist, are expected to perform well, with experienced jockeys securing their rides. Jockey Chad Schofield, fresh from a win in the Group 1 Surround Stakes, will ride Harry’s Evidence in the Your Next Stop Wests Illawarra Class 1 Handicap (1200m), while Jay Ford will partner with Commanding Artist in the Wests Illawarra Community Strong Benchmark 64 Handicap (1600m).
Ryan expressed confidence in Harry’s Evidence, noting the horse’s promising performance upon resuming from a break. “Harry’s Evidence broke his maiden in good style when he resumed from a spell at Wyong. He started a short-priced favourite that day and won easily,” Ryan said. Following that victory, Harry’s Evidence faced tougher competition at Gosford, where he finished just behind the winner, Andrea, who has since performed well in city races at Canterbury.
Despite drawing a tricky gate, Ryan believes that Schofield’s expertise will enhance Harry’s Evidence’s chances. “Chad should give him every chance, and if he can run up to his first-up form, then he should be hard to hold out again,” Ryan added.
Commanding Artist has also shown consistent form this season. After starting with a win at Hawkesbury in December, he has achieved solid placements, including a fourth-place finish at Newcastle, a second at Canterbury, and a fifth at Warwick Farm. His recent performance at Kembla Grange, where he finished second to Satness, further solidifies his readiness for the upcoming race.
“He raced on the speed at Kembla Grange a couple of weeks ago and ran very well when finishing second to Satness,” Ryan stated. Although Commanding Artist has also drawn awkwardly, Ryan is confident in the horse’s tactical speed to overcome this challenge. “His form has been very good this campaign, he’s racing consistently and he’s ready to break through with another win.”
In the final event at Kembla Grange, the Robert and Luke Price-trained Satness will aim for back-to-back victories, with Siena Grima in the saddle. As the racing season progresses, both Ryan and Alexiou’s horses are poised to make a significant impact, reflecting their dedication and expertise in the sport.
For more details on race replays and full form, visit racingnsw.com.au.
