There were only three runners in the Group III MRC Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Wednesday, but racegoers were treated to a clash of the titans as three terrific colts fought out the finish right to the line with less than half a length separating the trio on the post and Zoustar colt Ranting emerging as a maiden no more!
Placed in four of his five previous starts, four of those races being Group races, the Leon and Troy Corstens trained Ranting was seen as the roughie in the field of three facing up to boom Not a Single Doubt colt Anders and last season’s top class juvenile Hanseatic.
Anders had won his past four starts and was last seen winning the Group III ATC San Domenico on August 29, so was expected to keep the winning run going at his first appearance in Melbourne.
He led for most of the way and stuck to his guns when challenged first by Hanseatic and then by Ranting, the latter finishing over the top of his rivals under Ben Melham to win by half a neck with a short half head between Hanseatic and Anders.
“He just took that time to balance up and I really love the way he ran through the line,” said co-trainer Tory Corstens.
“He’s going to be a very valuable colt and hopefully he can run well again in the G1 Coolmore Stakes.
“He’s an outstanding looking colt, just wait until you see him come back!”
A $280,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Westbury Stud draft for Flemington Bloodstock/Malua Racing, Ranting has a win and four placings from six starts with prizemoney topping $323,000 and runs for a big syndicate of owners.
Bred by Gerry Harvey at his New Zealand farm Westbury Stud, Ranting is the first winner from Vanilla Ice Crèam, a placed More than Ready (USA) daughter of Group II placed Villa Bled, the full sister to blue hen and Group I winner Danelagh.
This family had produced Group I winners Vengeance of Rain, Dizelle and Pinot, so Ranting is a blue-blooded colt with a big pedigree to match his glorious good looks.
Ranting is the 15th stakes-winner for Widden Stud’s champion sire Zoustar, who stands at a fee of $121,000.
