Rylan Charlie graded just right

Bruce Stewart Journalist

Gore trained Rylan Charlie (Changeover) is a horse that slides up and down the ratings. But today at Ascot Park he was in his happy place in the R35-R36 band.

“The rating system has helped him quite a bit and when he gets back down in that 35 grade he’s competitive. That’s what keeps the horses here,” Lisa Barrie, spokesperson for the Shane Matheson stable said.

Driver Ellie Barron got the perfect sit behind leader Rakamick and turning in, shot up the passing lane to beat Rakamick by a length and a half.

“We did think he might be a bit short this week and we were aiming for the Forbury meeting next week. He surprised us. It was the perfect trip today. Ellie drove him really well. Very happy.”

Bred and owned by Judy Dillion, the win was the eight year old’s fourth in forty one starts.

“He surprised us today working a little bit at the start and he still finished it off at the end.”

Barrie says Rylan Charlie is a good doing horse and the stable has to keep a close eye on his eating habits.

“He does like his food. He lives in a paddock with nothing and we give him bits and pieces here and there (laughter) as he likes to put weight on.”

Rylan Charlie is expected to head to Gore next Sunday for the Forbury Park meeting.

“That’s his favourite track, his home track.”

Meanwhile Wyndham trainer David Gregory recorded his first win when Americana Elite (American Ideal) won at her nineth start.

Gregory has held a trainers licence off and on since 1990 and has only had thirty three horses race.

As a driver he drove seven winners; Maid Module (5) and Monetary (2).