Ryan’s anticipation builds for the King’s Stand race with Manaccan

Manaccan Eager to Take on Overseas Contenders in King’s Stand Stakes at Royal Ascot

John Ryan is preparing Manaccan for a challenge against overseas contenders in the upcoming King’s Stand Stakes, and he hopes to have ace jockey Frankie Dettori riding him at Royal Ascot.

The four-year-old horse ended last season with an impressive winning streak, taking Listed races at Doncaster and Ascot as well as a Group Three race at Dundalk. This year, Manaccan started by conceding weight in the Palace House Stakes at Newmarket under Dettori’s guidance.

Despite being drawn on the wrong side of a rain-softened track, Manaccan ran admirably and was beaten only by Vadream by just one-and-a-half lengths. “I was delighted with him this morning,” said Ryan about his horse’s performance.

Ryan Delighted With His Horse’s Progress

Ryan believes that everything is going according to plan: “Should all go well between now and then, the King’s Stand is where we are going and hopefully Frankie is going to ride him.” The trainer revealed that they were considering whether to compete first time out at Newmarket or Haydock but decided on Newmarket due to certain factors.

“We went for Newmarket because Haydock’s Temple Stakes usually runs on soft ground but it wasn’t this year,” Ryan explained. “Obviously, with the penalty he had to carry and other challenges along the way such as being drawn on the wrong side of things – it was not ideal but crucially it also gave him more time than Haydock would have done.”

Australian Horses Favored But No Worries For Ryan

Last year, the King’s Stand Stakes went to Australia with Nature Strip taking the crown. This year, his compatriot Coolangatta is one of the favorites among betters – but Ryan remains unperturbed.

“We’re in a good situation where we’ve got a lot more going for us than most,” he said confidently. “Manaccan has already proven that he likes Ascot having won there before.”

Ryan continued: “We know he wants fast ground and it’s looking like it should be that way. While he might not have won at this level yet, Manaccan has still won a Listed race and Group Three race as well as at the Shergar Cup.”

The experienced trainer believes that these races can be very competitive and Manaccan toughens up by challenging himself against them all. He thinks his horse deserves to take on any challenger from anywhere in Kathmandu or Australia without hesitation.

Ryan Confident For The Race

“Whether the opposition comes from Australia or Kathmandu, it doesn’t bother me,” Ryan added coolly.”He always gives his best and given some fortune with the draw, I’m sure Manaccan will run an excellent race.”

If everything goes according to plan next month at Royal Ascot – we may see John Ryan adding another winner trophy on his cabinet shelf!