Gerald Ryan is set to join forces with his long-time assistant Sterling Alexiou in Sydney racing's latest training partnership.
The prominent Rosehill horseman, who has trained Group One winners the ilk of Snitzel and Trapeze Artist, confirmed the news on Thursday.
“The final ticks just have to come from Racing NSW,” Ryan said.
Alexiou has worked as Ryan's Rosehill foreman for the past eight years and has become an integral part of the team.
The partnership is set to become official once it receives formal ratification from Racing NSW in the coming days.
Ryan confirmed Golden Rose hopeful Return With Honour would run in a three-year-old handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday after he was scratched from last weekend's The Rosebud due to the heavy conditions.
“We're just dodging the wet tracks,” Ryan said.
“I have to give him a run because I have high hopes for him and if he didn't run this week, I can't afford to wait another fortnight.”
Return With Honour is a $26 chance in early Golden Rose markets.