Gerald Ryan knows General Salute will need to lift to topple the in-form Autumn Glow, but the trainer believes there are several factors in the gelding’s favour heading into Saturday’s Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill.

General Salute comes off a strong third on a heavy 10 in the Show County Quality (1200m), and this time drops to 53.5kg. With the likelihood of more rain around, Ryan feels the conditions will suit.

“He’s got to go up another level,” Ryan admitted. “But he’s got no weight on his back and that’s why we’ve aimed him at this race. The barrier (nine) is OK, it’s his home track, 1300 metres looks right for him and he loves a bit of give in the ground.”

Ryan and training partner Sterling Alexiou will also saddle Skyhook and King Of Pop in the Run To The Rose (1200m). Skyhook has been freshened since his dynamic win in the Rosebud (1100m) and is “bouncing out of his skin”. King Of Pop, meanwhile, will be ridden quietly after over-racing in the San Domenico Stakes.

“He went too fast the other day,” Ryan said. “He hasn’t drawn ideally – I wish he had three instead of twelve – but the plan is to ride him quiet and let him finish off.” Both colts are being set for the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) later this month.