Ranting has quickly established himself as a valuable new member of Nick Ryan’s Flemington operation.
New Zealand-bred by Westbury Stud principal Gerry Harvey, the son of Zoustar made his third appearance for the former top jockey when he claimed top honours over 1200 metres in a Benchmark 84 handicap at Moonee Valley on Friday evening.
Ranting settled three back on the fence and rider Blake Shinn drove him through a tight gap one off the rail late in the straight to score.
“Twelve out of 10 by Blake and very exciting to watch although it looked like it was going to be a train-wreck for a while,” Ryan said.
“That’s why he is the best in the business as he just waited and didn’t force the issue and Ranting, who doesn’t really like hitting the front, didn’t know he had and he burst through for a great result.
It was the six-year-old’s third career victory and first since he won at Caulfield 16 months ago.
“The owners are on course and the team has done a good job, so we’re very happy,” Ryan said.
Previously trained by Leon and Troy Corstens, Ranting was offered via the Inglis Digital February Sale and snapped up by Ryan for A$70,000.
“He’s Group performed and run in some big races and he might gain a lot of confidence from this,” he said.
“We won’t raise the bar too high, but he is now a city winner so the rest is a bonus from here.”
Ranting won the G3 Blue Sapphire Stakes as a three-year-old and was a multiple Group placegetter.
He was originally offered by Westbury at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Yearling Sale where he was bought for A$280,000 by Flemington Bloodstock and Malua Racing.
Ranting is the first foal of the late More Than Ready mare Vanilla Ice Cream whose pedigree includes Gr1 Blue Diamond Stakes winner Danelagh, former Hong Kong Horse of the Year Vengeance Of Rain and G.1 AJC Oaks winner Dizelle.