Promising Snitzel for Ryan

Gerald Ryan does love a Snitzel and this easy debut winner at Gosford on Thursday looks to have well above average ability, despite his lack of appeal when offered for sale as a yearling.

Three year-old Mansa Musa was a hot favourite for the 1100 metre maiden and led all the way to win as he pleased over the fast finishing Godolphin runner Pindus.

A $75,000 Inglis Weanling purchase from the Luskin Park draft for Gainsborough Lodge / Pinhook Bloodstock, Mansa Musa was re-offered by Gainsborough Lodge at the 2017 Inglis Australian Easter Yearling Sale but failed to make his reserve of $200,000 so was retained.

"He'd only had one trial coming into this so he'll take plenty of improvement," said Gerald Ryan.

"He's been shinsore a few times, so we've just had to be patient, but he's always shown ability.

"They bought him as a pinhook, but when he went to the sales bidding stopped at about $150,000, so they decided to take him home."

Bred by Luskin Park and partners, Mansa Musa is the third winner from three foals to race from One Sweet Day, a winning Elusive Quality (USA) grand-daughter of US Group I winner Race the Wild Wind, the dam of Group I winner King Charlemagne.