“They are guys who like to race and, when Aquis wanted to take the offer from Hong Kong, they matched it,” Ryan said. “We have always had this race in mind for him. Everything we have done with him for the past year was pointed at this race.

“It is for big money on his home track, where he performs well. It was really a no-brainer and he has kept stepping up.”

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Ellsberg won three of his first six starts, including the South Pacific Classic during The Championships shortly after the ownership change and has been consistent throughout his career.

He is known as a leader in his races but added another string to his bow this spring when he took a sit behind the speed and showed a turn of foot to win first-up over 1400m at Rosehill in September before being run down late by Aim in the Silver Eagle.

“The draw is really good for him because he can just be there. He won’t lead but he should get a good run in behind them,” Ryan said. “His work has been really good, and he has learned how to settle and it makes him a much better horse.”

Ryan doesn’t have to look far to see what he thinks is the main danger in the Golden Eagle. I’m Thunderstruck, which is trained in Melbourne by his good mate Mick Price, is staying a couple of boxes down from Ellsberg in the stable.

“He looks great, I just have to work out how to beat him,” Ryan joked. “I was talking to Mick about his work [on Wednesday morning] and told him he worked good and was good our way.

“He is a great-looking horse, but I think he is going to have be good to beat my bloke.”

Ryan was delighted to get a rattling hard track for Ellsberg and also hulking sprinter Standout, which he feels could upset The Everest horses in the Classique Legend Stakes (1300m) on Saturday.

Standout a $21 chance in a market dominated by Everest minor placegetters Masked Crusader and Eduardo, which are $3 and $4.60 respectively, but Ryan feels his group 2 winner should be more respected.

Getting back on firm ground has led to Standout returning to his best form this spring. He was second in the Premiere Stakes and Sydney Stakes at his past two outings.

“He is just a horse that wants that hard ground, and it shows that he is back to his best that he got so close in the Sydney Stakes on slow ground,” Ryan said.

“I think the 1300m probably will suit him better because he can sustain his speed, and with the good weather he will make them work to beat him.”

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