Trainer Matt Dunn was surprised when jockey Jim Byrne opted to ride a rival runner over his mare La Tikka Rosa in the Listed Ascot Handicap at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Byrne was aboard La Tikka Rosa when she won brilliantly at Ipswich three weeks ago but has decided to partner the Tony Gollan-trained Theft on Saturday.

Dunn believes La Tikka Rosa deserves a chance to win a Listed race and is ready for the class rise.

"We rode her for pace two runs back and she didn't respond. We went back to riding her cold with one last sprint at Ipswich and she swamped them," Dunn said.

"I have always had an opinion of La Tikka Rosa and I was a bit surprised when Jim (Byrne) jumped off to ride Theft.

"It isn't the strongest Listed race ever run at Eagle Farm and it will obviously add to her value as a broodmare if she can pick up black type."

La Tikka Rosa has won only once over the 1200m of Saturday's race but Dunn points out the victory came at Eagle Farm in good time and he anticipates pace in the Ascot Handicap.

"There looks to be some pace drawn outside her and they should put the speed on," he said.

Glen Colless will complete a strong book of rides by taking the mount on La Tikka Rosa.

Byrne has been doing a lot of riding for Gollan and was aboard Theft when the gelding won a recent Doomben barrier trial.

Gollan was back at the races this week after a honeymoon in New Zealand with his wife Jane and he has a strong hand at Eagle Farm including Fixation, the early favourite for the BOQ Finance Services Hcp (1500m).

"It was a strong win at 1400 metres at his last start and he will only get better with racing. We hope eventually he will be a handy stayer," Gollan said.

"We have nine runners on Saturday and it would be good to finish off the season in style."

Gollan is on 53 wins in the trainers' premiership, seven clear of Dunn who has been chipping away at his lead in recent weeks.