Trainer Gerald Ryan believes a dislike for Rosehill might explain Green Shadows’ underwhelming effort last start, and he’s optimistic a return to Randwick can see the gelding bounce back.

With seven starts at Rosehill yielding only two placings early in his career, Ryan had hoped for a stronger showing than Green Shadows’ sixth-place finish behind Thunderlips last month.

“He went ordinary here the other day but he doesn’t go well any time we run him at Rosehill,” Ryan said.

“He just doesn’t go on his home track.

“He goes well at Randwick, so that might make a difference.”

Green Shadows is set to contest Saturday’s TAB Handicap (1400m) at Randwick, where his record stands at one win and three placings from ten attempts.

Two starts back, he ran a strong race in the Listed Civic Stakes over the same trip, finishing only two lengths off the winner after coming from a wide draw and settling near the rear.

Ryan remains encouraged by the horse’s condition at home and says Green Shadows is showing the right signs in his work.

“He has been going off on the track of a morning, pig rooting and squealing and bucking and that’s the way he has to be,” he said.

“Track conditions won’t worry him either. He has won in the heavy but he does prefer it a bit drier.”

Green Shadows has drawn ideally in barrier four, with jockey Alysha Collett booked for the ride.

The gelding will line up against 13 opponents in the benchmark 88 contest, including promising galloper It’s A Knockout, who returned with a commanding win at Randwick last month.

For those considering betting on the TAB Handicap, Green Shadows’ return to Randwick could make him a serious contender.