Ryan confident in King Of Pop for Golden Slipper

Gerald Ryan is optimistic about his horse, King Of Pop, ahead of the Golden Slipper race. After a strong workout on Tuesday, he confidently told co-trainer Sterling Alexiou that King Of Pop “will win the Slipper.” However, Ryan faced disappointment after the barrier draw. King Of Pop was assigned the outside position, gate 16, for Saturday's $5 million race at Rosehill. Despite this setback, Ryan remains excited about the Farnan colt. He praised King Of Pop’s recent performance and noted that the horse has improved since his last race. King Of Pop is unbeaten in two starts and set a track record at Canberra. Zac Lloyd will ride him in the Golden Slipper, but the odds moved to $27 after the unfavorable draw. Ryan and Alexiou have another contender, Skyhook, who won the Pago Pago Stakes last weekend. Skyhook drew better at gate eight and is considered a strong prospect at $8.50 with Kerrin McEvoy riding. Ryan believes Skyhook is fit and ready to compete again, emphasizing that horses can handle quick turnarounds. In the lead-up to the race, Godolphin filly Tempted and Chris Waller-trained colt Wodeton are co-favorites at $5. Ryan notes that this year features many strong, evenly matched two-year-olds. Overall, he believes this year's Golden Slipper is highly competitive.