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Grylls Fancies Ryder Chances

3 minute read

Craig Grylls is chasing a "purfect" result in Saturday's Listed $50,000 Courtesy Ford Ryder Stakes (1200m) at Otaki.

Craig Grylls. Picture: Trish Dunell

The leading Matamata jockey will take his chances with the Graham Richardson-trained Purcentage, who created a big impression with an ever-increasing three and a-half length win at Avondale on debut earlier this month.

"She looks a really nice filly," Grylls said. "It was a top win the other day. I knew she was good from riding her at the trials but that was still a pretty good effort.

“Her work has been top class since then and she should be pretty hard to beat. I'm pretty confident actually."

TAB bookmakers have Purcentage as a $3.00 favourite for the two-year-old feature, ahead of fellow unbeaten youngsters Bel Sorriso at $4.60, Niki Piki Milo at $6.00 and Lincoln Street at $7.50. Also at $7.50 was Elusive Catch, who has won her last two starts.

Grylls rated the Trent Busuttin and Natalie Young-trained Wowowow as the next best of his five rides at Otaki.

Meanwhile, Grylls was excited about the prospect of reuniting with his Group One-winning mount Viadana for next month's Gr.3 Foxbridge Plate (1200m) at Te Rapa.

The Lance Noble-trained Viadana is set to resume in the weight-for-age sprint before tackling the Gr.1 Windsor Park Plate (1600m) at Hastings in September.

"She's coming up really well. I've ridden her in a couple of gallops and she feels very good. I can't wait to get back on her raceday," Grylls said.