Written by Paul Vettise
Gerald Ryan has a million reasons to carefully ponder the immediate future of Time Is Precious (Snitzel), who made the perfect opening to her career at Randwick.
The Rosehill trainer was bullish about the filly’s chances in the Harrolds Victory Vein Plate and she did him proud with a professional front-running display to lower the colours of the hot favourite Postcode (Vancouver).
Ryan will now consider his options with Time Is Precious and the inaugural running of the $1 million Golden Gift on his home track is one attractive way to go.
“I spoke to John Baxter, who owns half of her, and the idea was to run her here and that gives us three weeks to the $1 million race or it gives us three weeks in the paddock and then get ready for the Magic Millions.
“We’ll take her home and see how she does and then go from there.”
Baramul graduate
Bred by Gerry Harvey’s Baramul Stud, Time Is Precious was bought out of his draft at the Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale for $120,000 when signed for by Ryan.
She is a daughter of the dual Listed winner and G1 Queensland Oaks placegetter Rose Of Sharon (Encosta de Lago) and she’s a half-sister to the dual Group 1 winner Lotteria (Redoute’s Choice). It’s also the family of the Singapore stakes winner Inferno (Holy Roman Emperor {Ire}).
Time Is Precious had trialled well in the hands of race day rider Glen Boss at Warwick Farm to further boost confidence in her prospects.
“She had two jump-outs at home and a barrier trial. When she jumped to the front and had a couple of easy sectionals I thought she would be very hard to run down,” Ryan said.
“She is a filly on type and on pedigree who will be even better over 1400 metres.”
“She is a filly on type and on pedigree who will be even better over 1400 metres.” – Gerald Ryan.
Time Is Precious travelled easily to the turn and when Boss asked her to lengthen stride she responded to comfortably keep the challenge of Postcode at bay in the closing 150 metres.
Time is Precious (inside) and Postcode (outside), fight to the finish
“She’s a quality filly and trialled very well. When Gerald had her in that was a big plus for us because she’s obviously going very, very well,” Boss said.
“She’s well educated and was more than pleased when I knew he was running her, I thought she could do the job.
“Her attitude will take her a long way, she’s very push button. That’s Gerald – what can you say about the bloke with 2-year-olds, he just does it every year.”
Gravina (Sebring) made ground from back in the field for third and Tommy Gold (NZ) (Sacred Falls {NZ}) was fourth. He looked a threat when he loomed up 200 metres from home before wilting on his run.
