Captain Sonador has pulled up a treat after last Saturday’s Gold Coast Stakes and it’s all-systems go for his next start in the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes at Rosehill.

Like most of the runners at the Gold Coast, Captain Sonador bogged down in going that trainer Roger Milne rated a Heavy 20.  He finished six lengths from the winner Bold Glance but ahead of quality sprinters like Faster Son and Poor Judge.

“He’s a long strider and Shane (Scriven) didn’t knock him about,” Milne said.  “But, to his credit, the horse was still trying to find the line at the finish.”

Milne and Captain Sonador will leave for Sydney next Monday in preparation for the George Ryder on Saturday week, April 2.  He will be stabled with Mark Wallace at Warwick Farm.

“Captain Sonador didn’t leave a scrap in the feed bin after the Gold Coast.  I had the vet look him over just in case something else contributed to the loss last Saturday but he’s as good as gold.”

Captain Sonador (4h Shamardal – Pushing Daisies by Kenny’s Best Pal) won the G1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick in October and has been a marvellous money-spinner for Milne and owner Gregg Wagner.

Wagner fielded numerous offers to stand Captain Sonador before choosing Raheen Stud in Queensland.  

Raheen owner Basil Nolan snr was at the Gold Coast to keep an eye on Captain Sonador’s progress.  “He lumped 60.5kg and probably needed the hit-out on Saturday,” Nolan said.  “That run will really bring him on for Sydney.”

Raheen will announce Captain Sonador’s service fee for the 2011 breeding season after the autumn carnival.  Several prominent studmasters and breeders were at the Gold Coast sizing him up and they were all suitably impressed.

Captain Sonador’s syndication has been well received and some shares are still available.  He is a G1 winning son of Darley’s global phenomenon Shamardal and his dam is a half sister to G2 winning racemare Umaline.

The Nolans are already taking advance bookings for Captain Sonador’s introductory season in 2011.  Broodmare owners can call (07) 4666 1172 for further information about shares or nominations.