Gerald Ryan admits Tango Rain faces an unexpected challenge in the San Domenico Stakes but the trainer is not about to shy away from Capitalist.

When Ryan earmarked Saturday's Group Three sprint for the unbeaten Tango Rain, the Golden Slipper winner was not a factor.

But Capitalist's trainers Peter and Paul Snowden opted not to run him last Saturday on a heavy Randwick track and he lines up in the San Domenico (1100m) a week later at Rosehill.

"You can't run away from any horse so we'll take on Capitalist and see what happens," Ryan said.

In the absence of Capitalist from last week's Listed Rosebud, the race was won by Thronum, soundly beaten by Tango Rain when they met at Canterbury on July 23.

Tango Rain had a later than planned start to his career in late June, winning a midweek race at Canterbury before stepping up to Saturday grade to win again.

He was getting ready for a January debut but pulled up sore from trackwork and his preparation was stopped.

He is a $6 chance in the San Domenico with Capitalist at $1.70 to beat his five rivals.

But Ryan expects Tango Rain to at least test Capitalist.

"It will be a tactical battle but Tango Rain will be in the firing line," he said.

"I don't know if he will lead like he did last time but I do expect him to be forward.

Ryan arrived back from New York on Friday morning after a trip to the Saratoga Yearling sale and was pleased with how Tango Rain looked when he saw him and his other horses.

He was also pleased with his first foray into the American market with long time stable client Damion Flower buying a Scat Daddy filly who will be trained in the United States by Bill Mott.

"She will go to Florida and stay in the warmer weather until after the winter," Ryan said.

"Then she will go into training in about March.

"The idea is that she will eventually come to Australia as a four-year-old. She may not race but she will come here to be a broodmare.

"It was a great trip and the Americans were all very interested in Australian racing."