Expensive Colt Grand Cross To Make Debut

One of the most expensive colts sold in Australia this year is ready to make his debut for his high-powered group of owners.

Grand Cross, a $1.3 million yearling at the Easter Sale, is owned in a partnership which includes Coolmore, Anand Krishan's Kia Ora, Michael Tabor and the China Horse Club.

But trainer Gerald Ryan is feeling no pressure as Grand Cross heads to Randwick on Saturday as the winner of his second barrier trial.

"If all goes well for him during the week he will be there on Saturday," Ryan said.

"If he doesn't please me, we will save him for another day.

"Whatever happens on Saturday, he will go for a break and come back for the autumn. He is the sort of horse that will be better as he gets older."

The colt is by Fastnet Rock out of Defiant Dame, the winner of the 2010 Gimcrack Stakes.

"I liked him at the sale because he looked as if he would run early," Ryan said.

"I knew his mother when David Payne had her and I knew his grandmother, Marcovette, who was also very fast.

"He is a good cross for Fastnet Rock and typical of his sire.

"He is a very relaxed little fellow, very laid back and easy to deal with."

Grand Cross was one of 13 entries taken on Monday for the 2YO Plate (1000m) and won his most recent trial by two lengths.

Ryan also has consistent mare Peace Force entered for Saturday's meeting on the Kensington track.

The five-year-old, one of seven nominations for the benchmark 80 over 1550 metres, goes to the race at her fifth start this spring.

After winning a midweek 1400m race at Warwick Farm second-up, Peace Force ran third at Rosehill and second at Randwick earlier this month.