2014 Hollindale Stakes to Decide Path for Angel Of Mercy

Trainer Gerald Ryan has revealed he will use the results of this weekend’s featured Group 2 Wimmers Soft Drinks A.D. Hollindale Stakes (1800m) on the Gold Coast dictate the path for talented five-year-old Angel Of Mercy throughout the 2014 Brisbane Winter Racing Carnival.

Trainer Gerald Ryan has confirmed results in this weekend's Hollindale Stakes will dictate a path for Angel Of Mercy. Photo: Daniel Costello

Strolling home to win the Listed Winning Edge Members’ Quality (1600m) at Eagle Farm last time out, Angel Of Mercy has arguably returned to the track in career best form this time in, prompting Ryan to seek a step up in class, and resulting distance for the Hussonet mare.

Yet to contest a race over 1800 metres this season, Ryan told AAP the recent form and work completed by Angel Of Mercy have been enough to warrant a nomination in the major Group 1 Doomben Cup (2020m) on May 17^th, however plans are yet to be set in stone.

“We have also entered her for the Doomben Cup but we won’t make up our mind until after Saturday’s race” Ryan said.

“If she doesn’t race well she will revert back to the shorter trips in the fillies and mares races.

“One thing she doesn’t want is a wet track. Her best run in the mud was two runs back when third in the Emancipation Stakes at Rosehill but really she wants nothing worse than dead.”

Completed a strong piece of work locally on Tuesday morning, Ryan is confident Angel Of Mercy will compete well against what is arguably the strongest field of any racing event this weekend.

Securing a total of five wins and four places from 23 competitive starts to date, Angel Of Mercy returned to racing this season with an impressive turn of foot to overcome poor position and finish fourth in the Listed Bunbury Cup (1400m) on March 9^th, prior to her strong run for third in the Group 2 Emancipation Stakes (1500m) and Members’ Quality triumph.

Having received the ideal gate 1 at Wednesday morning’s 2014 Hollindale Stakes barrier draw, Angel Of Mercy is currently offered as outright fourth favourite in betting markets for success at generous odds of $6.50.

A standout performer this season, Junoob is clear $2.50 favourite to claim the Hollindale Stakes crown, ahead of Streama ($4.80) and Moriarty ($5.50).

Ladbrokes.com.au is currently offering the best odds on the 2014 Wimmers Soft Drinks A.D. Hollindale Stakes!

Open an account and sign up for the all-new Ladbrokes Card to make the most of your winnings just seconds after your pick has passed the post!