The George Ryder looms as one of the more open Group 1 contests on Golden Slipper Day, particularly having been re-opened to new entries this week, and there is a case to be made for many the now thirteen-strong field.
Group 1 winner Funstar has once again opened our favourite in George Ryder Stakes betting, but there has been interest for several including Kolding and Avilius.
With Arcadia Queen the notable scratching from last week’s list, who have I put on top? Check out my 2021 George Ryder Stakes tips below.
Suggested Bets
- 2 Units straight out #2 Avilius
- Boxed Trifecta of the selections below
I thought that his best racing might be behind him, but Avilius returned a very impressive effort to finish less than half a length behind Verry Elleegant in the Chipping Norton when resuming, and I think he’ll be tough to beat here.
The Pivotal gelding is a multiple Group 1 winner, and while he did return a few competitive efforts last time in, he failed to return to winning form.
There are no horses of Verry Elleegant’s ability in this race, James Cummings has elected to take a different route with Colette, and I think that this looks like Avilius’ best chance of winning another Group 1 race.
Kolding was forced to weather a tough run and weakened to finish fifth in the Chipping Norton, but he strips fitter and is drawn to receive a better time in the George Ryder.
The Ocean Park gelding didn’t come up last autumn, but he returned to the track in peak condition in spring, adding the George Main Stakes to his resume most notably.
Having finished second in both the Expressway and the Apollo Stakes prior to his run in the Chipping Norton, I’m confident that Kolding will be at his best in the George Ryder.
Injecting a bit of value into my George Ryder Stakes first three with Gem Song, who is currently available at around the $16 mark.
Gem Song has been a strong and largely consistent performer throughout his career, but missed more than a year of racing between the 2019 Golden Eagle and his return effort for fourth in the Southern Cross Stakes last month.
He enters this race in winning form after taking out the Group 3 Newcastle Newmarket, and while I think that a couple of these rivals have him covered, I do think that Gem Song can return another bold effort.
Yeah, I guess?
There is absolutely no denying Funstar’s ability – it shows in her competitive career record that is bolstered by a Group 1 win, but it has been a long time since she greeted the judge first, and I’ll have to see her do it again before I put her back on top.
So far this time she has finished fourth in both the Apollo Stakes and the Chipping Norton, and she does look ready to do something third-up and under these conditions.