He has three Ipswich Cup victories to his credit and jockey Jim Byrne believes Rialya can add another one to his tally on Saturday.

Ipswich has a short straight of just over 250 metres which Byrne says makes it vital to build momentum coming to the turn.

In on-pacer Rialya, he has a horse with the racing pattern to suit the circuit.

"I suppose you can say that about any race on any track but because it's only a short run home at Ipswich you want to make sure your horse is in the clear and building momentum," Byrne said.

"This horse can take up a handy spot in his races and he'll keep on grinding when the pressure goes on.

"They're the sort of horses that are always suited in an Ipswich Cup."

Byrne was eager to retain the Ipswich Cup (2150m) ride on Rialya after the Lloyd Kennewell-trained gelding finished seventh to Precedence in the Premier's Cup (2200m) at Doomben on May 25.

"His effort was full of merit and with that run under his belt I always thought a race like the Ipswich Cup would suit him down to the ground," Byrne said.

"Going to the barriers at Doomben he was feeling that good he tried to nick off on me. He was feeling fresh and raced accordingly."

Byrne believes Rialya's effort in the Premier's Cup was an excellent pointer for Saturday's assignment.

"The strength of this race is probably on a par with the Premier's Cup and with the improvement I'm sure he's taken out of his last run he should be hard to beat," he said.

"I would have preferred to draw a bit better than 12 but he's the type of horse who can put himself into a good position and he'll be strong at the finish."

Byrne rates 2006 victor Sphenophyta as the best of his Ipswich Cup winners with that gelding going on to claim the Group One Turnbull Stakes later that year.

He believes Rialya has a similar profile to his other Cup winners Ardeed (1995) and He's Back On Track (1997).

Byrne was disappointed when his Eye Liner Stakes mount Morning Captain drew barrier 12 for Saturday's 1350m sprint.

"Every time I've ridden him this campaign he's drawn awkward and had the hardest run," Byrne said.

"I can't speak highly enough of him. He's a real little trier."