Nick Ryan’s memories of Victoria Derby Day as a jockey are mixed, and not the kind he enjoys recalling. Once a champion apprentice, Ryan pushed his body to the limit to make 47.5kg to ride Alinghi in what is now the Empire Rose Stakes, only to be narrowly beaten as a $1.70 favourite, his closest brush with Group 1 glory during his riding career.
Although he competed in Derbies interstate, he never had the chance to ride in the feature staying test that opens Melbourne Cup week at Flemington.
Now, as a trainer, Ryan arrives at Flemington on Saturday with two strong chances in the 2500-metre Victoria Derby, a race that has quickly become a key ambition for his stable.
He will send out Highvol and Miewa — his second and third runners in the Derby — following Red Aces’ sixth-place effort in the same race last year.
“It’s my third runner and for a small stable, it’s a good effort by the team,” Ryan said.
“We went out a few years ago to look for young horses to get out to a trip.
“We had Red Aces last year win the Vase (at Moonee Valley) then ran sixth in the Derby and this year we have two runners that are in form and look like live chances.”
Miewa shapes as the more traditional Derby prospect. After his win over 1600m at Moonee Valley on September 6, he backed up with runner-up finishes in both the Super Impose Stakes (1800m) at Flemington and the Caulfield Classic (2000m).
“He’s had the perfect prep,” Ryan said.
“He’s gone the Super Impose, the Caulfield Classic and into the Derby.
“He is a get back and run on horse. He’s drawn barrier eight and if he can use that and be as close as he can without being out of his comfort zone, that would be good.
“In a Derby, you have to get the first half right and be mindful of running the trip.”
Highvol’s path has been less conventional. After winning the Listed Anzac Day Stakes (1400m) on debut at Flemington, he looked every bit a Caulfield Guineas type. He won again before a spell, but his first-up run this spring prompted Ryan to pivot towards the Derby instead.
“He ran so well in the Stutt Stakes at Moonee Valley with the blinkers on and he beat home Vinrock that night, we elected to go to the Guineas,” Ryan said.
“He and (Derby favourite) Observer are the only two horses out of the Guineas running here.
He drew wide in the Guineas, and he was back and it was an insignificant run, but then he did a good job in the Geelong Classic going from the mile to the 2200 metres.
“I’m surprised how well he came through it, and he’s come on from it and can improve again.”
Ryan acknowledges pedigree may play a role at the 2500m. Highvol, by Microphone from a Hussonet mare, may be tested late, whereas Miewa, by Maurice — sire of 2021 Derby winner Hitotsu — has the staying credentials.
“They’re both very well,” Ryan said.
“They’re both good in the feed bin, their bloods are good, really a mirror image of each other.
“All I can say is Meiwa is the class horse with the pedigree, but Highvol wouldn’t shock me either.”
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