The Canberra Cup wasn't a happy experience for trainer Gerald Ryan but could prove to be a launching pad for better things.Ready To Lift was left out of the field after a clerical mishap at the Trainers' Service Centre and, once reinstated, had to jump from a wide alley and finished fourth to Group One winner Blutigeroo.His other runner Tommifrancs beat just one runner home in the race last Sunday but belied that form with a brilliant win at Rosehill six days later."Ready To Lift will run in the

The Canberra Cup wasn't a happy experience for trainer Gerald Ryan but could prove to be a launching pad for better things.

Ready To Lift was left out of the field after a clerical mishap at the Trainers' Service Centre and, once reinstated, had to jump from a wide alley and finished fourth to Group One winner Blutigeroo.

His other runner Tommifrancs beat just one runner home in the race last Sunday but belied that form with a brilliant win at Rosehill six days later.

"Ready To Lift will run in the Christmas Cup and Tommifrancs will be saved for the Summer Cup," Ryan said.

"The Canberra Cup remains a bit of a mystery but he still only finished just over five lengths from the winner."

The Christmas Cup (2400m) is at Ryan's home track Rosehill on Saturday while the Summer Cup over the same distance is at Randwick on Boxing Day.

Tommifrancs' win was his second since Ryan took over his training after he spent his early years with Lee Freedman in Victoria where he showed his class with victory in the 2006 Bagot Handicap (2500m).

He carries New Zealander John Thompson's patriotic black colours with a silver fern made famous by 2000 Caulfield Cup winner Diatribe.

Ryan also has reason to be optimistic about the return of Warhead who is set to make his first race appearance in almost two years at Canterbury on December 18.

Warhead had two starts as a juvenile including a second to subsequent Golden Slipper winner Forensics on debut in the Kindergarten Stakes at Warwick Farm in March 2007.

He missed a Slipper berth when fourth to Meurice in the Todman and was spelled.

He was back in work in July 2007 when he chipped a stifle and underwent surgery.

A barrier trial win on November 28 has Ryan optimistic about his future.

"He will more than likely run at the Canterbury meeting," Ryan said.

"We'll see how he gets through that before we get too far ahead."