Gerald Ryan is banking on a solid tempo to help Melito turn the tables on last-start conqueror More Joyous in Saturday's Group One Flight Stakes at Randwick.But the Rosehill trainer concedes even that may not be enough to beat the Gai Waterhouse-trained filly who is the odds-on favourite to add the Flight to her Tea Rose Stakes triumph."More Joyous is a very good filly," Ryan said."It's a bigger field (than the Tea Rose) on Saturday which might generate a bit more speed, a more genuine tempo whi

Gerald Ryan is banking on a solid tempo to help Melito turn the tables on last-start conqueror More Joyous in Saturday's Group One Flight Stakes at Randwick.

But the Rosehill trainer concedes even that may not be enough to beat the Gai Waterhouse-trained filly who is the odds-on favourite to add the Flight to her Tea Rose Stakes triumph.

"More Joyous is a very good filly," Ryan said.

"It's a bigger field (than the Tea Rose) on Saturday which might generate a bit more speed, a more genuine tempo which would be good.

"If it is a fair dinkum-run race then yes, Melito can turn the tables on More Joyous but if it is a trot and canter it will make it very hard."

The Flight Stakes (1600m) is the final leg of the prestigious four-race Princess Series.

Melito has contested each leg and hasn't finished worse than second.

She was a controversial runner-up to Deer Valley in the Silver Shadow Stakes when the winner's jockey, apprentice Daniel Ganderton, was penalised for breaching the new whip rules.

She made amends with victory in the Furious Stakes but could not reel in More Joyous last start in the Tea Rose, finishing 2-1/4 lengths second.

But the barrier draw hasn't helped her cause on Saturday.

Melito has gate 10 in the field of 12 while More Joyous has drawn ideally in two.

Ryan concedes the barrier is "awkward" but says Melito has improved again from the Tea Rose and has been pleasing him with her work at home.

"She looks better in the coat and she looks a bit stronger," Ryan said.

"She has done terrific."

Ryan will also be represented in the other Group One race for three-year-olds, the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m), by the enigmatic Hus Der Lieften.

The colt was an impressive winner of The Rosebud first-up in August and finished just over 3-1/2 lengths from star colt Denman in the Golden Rose last month.

But he has been a shade disappointing at his past two starts finishing sixth in both the Spring Stakes at Newcastle won by Lovemelikearock and Dulcify Quality at Randwick won by Viking Legend.

Ryan admits the jury is out on Hus Der Lieften.

"Up until last week I had no doubt about him getting 2000 metres but now I'm not sure," Ryan said.

"I don't know if he ran like he did because of the way he was ridden or if he doesn't stay.

"We will ride him quietly on Saturday. We've got to try something (different) with him."

Nash Rawiller will ride Hus Der Lieften while Corey Brown is reunited with Melito.