Adelaide Likely To Skip George Ryder

Last year’s G1 Cox Plate winner Adelaide (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) is likely to skip Saturday’s G1 George Ryder S. and head straight for the A$4 million G1 Queen Elizabeth S. at The Championships at Royal Randwick Apr. 11, according to Racing and Sports. The 4-year-old, who has not raced since his landmark victory last October, was partnered by British jockey Ryan Moore in a gallop at Rosehill Tuesday, where he was beaten by last weekend’s G1 Canterbury S. runner-up Catkins (Aus) (Dubawi {Ire}). 

“The final decision will be down to the trainer Chris Waller, but it’s highly unlikely he will run in the George Ryder,” said James Bester, spokesman for owners Coolmore. “He doesn’t need a race to bring him on for the Queen Elizabeth. Ryan was delighted with his gallop this morning. He was up against a horse who was beaten a nose in a 1300 meter Group 1 last start so you would expect her to be in front. He is a naturally clean-winded horse and the George Ryder would have just been a preparatory race and he doesn’t need it.” 

Adelaide, who also won last year’s GI Secretariat S. at Arlington and G3 Gallinule S. in Ireland, is expected to return to trainer Aidan O’Brien in Ireland for a Royal Ascot tilt following his Australian campaign.