The Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) kicks off a huge weekend of Group 1 racing at Rosehill with Hauraki out of the John O’Shea yard the $3.50 favourite. Join The Roar before the race start time of 2:30pm AEDT for commentary and late mail.
Hauraki has been building into this with two thirds in the Apollo and Chipping Norton. Loves this distance and third up has two placings from two starts. Soft form has a second from three starts, so I would like the price to perhaps drift a little before committing.
Dibayani comes into the race off a solid 1.5 length loss to Winx in the Chipping Norton, Winx has been in irresistable form so considering the length of the defeat it’s quite a respectable one. Has some solid form over this distance with two second placings and a third from five starts, could this be the day he breaks through? A soft track and third up are huge pluses for this horse making the $4 a juicy prospect.
Mongolian Khan is hard to have following that Chipping Norton result, but loves this distance and is four from four on a soft surface which brings him into calculations. Hasn’t placed second up in two starts which is a worry, could be a good get at double figure odds but is hard to catch at the moment.
Criterion found the going in the Canterbury Stakes a bit too stiff coming off longer events which wasn’t all that surprising, but with the quality of the horse a little bit of respect was still warranted. I’m happy to forgive the first up run and this distance is much more suitable. Second up has won two of seven and includes two second placings and a third. He’s one from one over the distance and on a soft track has won two from five games at $5 is a huge chance.
Storm the Stars is a big chance here. Out of the Chris Waller yard the stallion will be better for the run out of the Chipping Norton, over the distance has won two of four and hasn’t been out of the quinella in three starts on soft ground including a win.
The United States is a big chance based on that Blamey run but hasn’t won on soft ground, to be fair it was just one race on the surface. Loves this distance and has won at the distance so ticks most of the boxes.
Happy to take on Kool Kompany. Weary an interesting one, might find this distance a little too steep but has a terrific record at this track and on wet surfaces, will need a huge run but don’t discount in this one.
Brent Ford selections
1. Criterion
2. Dibayani
3. Hauraki
4. Storm the Stars
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
They've just interviewed all the jockeys after the race and I tell you what James McDonald is absolutely gutted he didn't win that race! Absolutely gutted!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Final Result 1. The United States 2. Hauraki 3. Criterion 4. Dibiyani
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Looks like The United States will be on a Cox Plate campaign what a battle with Winx that might be later in the year, but for now he is heading to the paddock.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Nick Williams: It's a pleasure to be here and an honour to win a race on what is the best race day during the autumn.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
A lot of patting on the back following that win and I tell you what this horse has improved out of site in recent times. When you consider that Moonee Valley Cup win, this five year old Entire out of Galileo has done extremely well.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Criterion with a bit of work to do ahead of that Queen Elizabeth run, McEvoy said it was great work from Rob to be able to turn the form around from the past few weeks. Says it was a nice race for The United States today.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Mongolian Khan being felt for, Criterion whipping around the outside, Dibiyani staking the claim, but Criterion and Hauraki burst through, The United States snuck up the inside and he repels the challenge of Hauraki and he wins the Ranvet! Criterion is third and it looks like Dibiyani has hung on for fourth from Mongolian Khan.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Storm the Stars from Mongolian Khan, Dibiyani and now Storm the Stars, Hauraki and Criterion, Weary, The United States last.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
All set and racing Dibiyani gets away well as well as Mongolian Khan, Criterion off the speed, Weary last of all, Storm the Stars will lead and Bohemian Lily is right up there. Hauraki with the sit on the rail behind Criterion. The United States is last.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Waiting for Storm the Stars to go in, he's now set.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Runners moving in now.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Dibiyani absolutely friendless from $4.40 to $8.50 on track.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Ron Dufficy saying Kool Kompany could run a huge race, the United States is the market mover.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Hayes saying the rain about won't hurt Criterion, he expects Dibiyani to be in the top three.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Sweating up a little but boy does he have a glow!
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Horses in the yard I really liked the look of Criterion.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
G'day guys and welcome to the Ranvet Stakes blog.