Gerald Ryan intends the Frank Packer Plate at Randwick as a trial for Matias’ endurance limits, confident nonetheless that the three-year-old can manage a solid middle-distance assignment.

Victor of Eagle Farm’s Grand Prix Stakes (1800m) in December, Matias tackles longer than ever before in the 2000m race set for Saturday.

Out of Never Listen by Snitzel, whose reputation leans towards sprinters but includes 2013 Cox Plate winner Shamus Award, Matias’ appeal lies in his dam line according to Ryan.

“His first three dams have either won or been placed in an Oaks,” Ryan said.

“Never Listen is by Trusting and she ran second in a VRC Oaks. Rose O’ War is by Danehill, she ran second in a VRC Oaks and second in a Wakeful (Stakes). His third dam, Savana City, won an AJC Oaks.”

Ryan and co-trainer Sterling Alexiou map out a Queensland winter carnival path for Matias, contingent on Randwick results.

Falling short over 2000m might direct him to the Queensland Guineas (1600m) at Eagle Farm on May 2, while staying on well points to the Rough Habit Plate (2000m) on May 16 at Doomben and the Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm two weeks later.

“We’ll go to the Frank Packer Plate and that will decide if we keep going to the Rough Habit Plate,” Ryan said.

“If he doesn’t look as though he’ll get further than 2000 metres, then we’ll bring him back to the Queensland Guineas.”

Ryan forecasts a lively run Saturday and laments Matias’ misfortune in the recent Carbine Club Stakes (1600m), pinned inside throughout the straight.

“If he’d been able to come around the leaders’ heels last start instead of going back inside, I reckon he nearly wins the race,” he said.

“He’s done terrific. His coat has come through, and he looks bright and well.”

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