Trainer Gerald Ryan is confident in his chances of leaving Brisbane’s Doomben Racecourse this weekend one Group 1 title richer, despite leading chance Snitzerland having to be removed from the final field of the featured BTC Cup (1200m) this morning after pulling up sore.

Having accepted positions in the final field for both Snitzerland and in-form sprinter Hot Snitzel, Ryan revealed he would not be surprised if his sole remaining chance causes what could well be Saturday’s biggest upset.

“I wouldn’t be shocked if Hot Snitzel won on Saturday, I wouldn’t be shocked at all” Ryan told The Daily Telegraph.

“It’s just the way the horse is; he’s come back this preparation a better horse than he’s ever been.

“My only query is that quite often when they travel, their first run back is not their best, and their second run is better.

“He’s also been to the Gold Coast before, so he knows where he is.”

Steadily building to the task over three starts in the spring of 2013, Hot Snitzel finishing ninth in the Listed Heading Out Hair & Beauty Stakes (1200m) first-up, and while unlucky to finish tenth when blocked for a run in the Group 2 Yellowglen Stakes (1200m), closed his season with an impressive turn of foot to finish second behind the world’s leading sprinter Lankan Rupee in the Group 3 Kevin Heffernan Open (1200m) on November 16^th.

Returning to the track in arguably career best form this season, the gelding out of Flames Of Paris ran a close second to Flamberge in the Group 3 Sebring Stakes (1200m) first-up before returning to the winner’s circle when strolling home to claim the Group 3 Hall Mark Stakes (1200m) last time out.

Allocated the wide barrier 8, Hot Snitzel’s chances of success in the 2014 BTC Cup were boosted tenfold when leading jockey Nash Rawiller was confirmed for the ride.

Hot Snitzel is currently featured as equal third favourite with well-trialled local Temple Of Boom for success in the 2014 BTC Cup at a particularly generous quote of $8.

A standout performer over the 2013 spring, local hero Buffering is clear favourite to claim the 2014 BTC Cup at short $1.95 odds, ahead of Spirit Of Boom ($5).

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