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Ryan opts for alternate route with Red Excitement

Tom Walter - Monday September 25

Trainer Gerald Ryan has identified the Group II Hill Stakes (1800m) as a more suitable race for Red Excitement than the Group I Epsom Handicap (1600m).

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Red Excitement will be a notable omission when the final field for the Epsom Handicap is declared on Tuesday morning. Photo: Steve Hart

Red Excitement held entries for both events but Ryan has opted for the weight-for-age assignment with his in-form veteran.

Ryan's decision was based on doubts about Red Excitement's effectiveness in "high pressure mile races at Randwick", owing to the gelding's free-running racing style.

With $500,000 on offer in this year's Hill Stakes, the race is an attractive alternative for horses also nominated for the $1 million Epsom Handicap, as well as serving as an ideal lead-up to the $500,000 Craven Plate (2000m) at Randwick on October 14.

Brenton Avdulla will take the ride on the eight-year-old son of Excites on Saturday.

Final fields for the Epsom Handicap and Group I The Metropolitan (2400m) will be declared on Tuesday morning.

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