Jockey Darryl McLellan will ride Gypsy Ruler for the first time. Photo / Thinkstock
Good luck, according to Taree trainer Michael Byers, has rarely favoured Gypsy Ruler, who looks for a change of fortune on his home track today.
"He's just been an unlucky horse throughout his career," Byers said.
"He should have won 10 or 11 races, instead of four. Look at the
number of placings, close placings he's run [16].
"No doubt his winning record as a horse has been disappointing but he's in the right race.
"I'm predicting a big run. He'll be right in the firing line."
The 6-year-old Commands gelding tackles the Old Bar Cellars Old Bar Cup, over 1600m.
Jockey Darryl McLellan climbs aboard for the first time.
Gypsy Ruler came to Byers as a maiden after 20 starts when trained in Sydney.
The horse's form has certainly taken a turn for the better but last start at Randwick was a case in point to justify Byers' mounting frustration.
Gypsy Ruler, ridden by apprentice Brenton Avdulla, officially finished 4.2 lengths when seventh to Maniere D'Etre over 1550m on December 10, stable supporters backing the galloper from A$15 into A$9.
However, the gelding again raced without luck.
"Stewards had the kid [Avdulla] in and asked him why he didn't take a run earlier when it presented itself," Byers said.
"Without going into everything, it wasn't the best of rides.
"Gypsy Ruler is very fresh, A1, and it makes a big difference walking them over the road than having a long float trip. I'm hoping things go our way."
- AAP
