A decision is expected this weekend.
Connections of star Tasmanian three-year-old Ryley Major will make a call on whether they head to sunny Brisbane for the Queensland winter carnival or head to Victoria for the Breeders Crown series.
The Listed $25,000 Gold Coast Derby on July 9 followed by the Gr.1 $75,000 Queensland Derby a week later are the two targets for the Rohan Hillier trained gelding.
“We won’t do both, it’s one or the other but we’ll make a call by the end of the week because if we go to Brisbane, we need to start sorting out our travel arrangements. While it’s tempting to chase both, I’m mindful of looking after him because he’s got a very bright future.” Hillier said.
Ryley Major is clearly the best talent in the Apple Isle, a winner of 10 races from 14 starts including his impressive romp in last week’s Gr.3 $30,000 Globe Derby Final at Launceston.
The Art Major – Shez Ryleymak pacer remains unbeaten this season after winning all eight starts.
A spate of bad weather recently cost him his chance of competing in the lucrative Vicbred series which has prompted a possible Queensland campaign.
“We were going to Melbourne but the wet weather made him miss some work and we weren’t going into a series like that under done, so we stayed home and targeted the Globe Derby series. He won that race in easy style, but he was entitled to because he had the good draw and he’s blessed with great ability.
“I want to go to Queensland, that’s the way I’m leaning because I think it’s a better fit plus we’re a genuine threat whereas the Breeders Crown is always very strong depth wise. I’m keen to test him against some better quality opposition and that will give us a clearer indication on where he sits in the national landscape.
“When he races the better three-year-olds, I think he will be suited because the faster they go, the better he will go. If we head north, his next start will be in the Gold Coast Derby.”
Ryley Major is no stranger to Derby success following his impressive victory earlier this season in his home state feature at Hobart.
Following the announcement last week that Our Waikiki Beach would not target the Queensland Derby, strong interest is being shown by a number of interstate stables.
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