A small but talented line-up of gallopers will step out in Saturday’s Ranvet Stakes field – the first of five Group 1 features races at Rosehill Gardens on Golden Slipper Day.
Veteran gelding Think It Over recorded the third Group 1 victory of his career in the Verry Elleegant Stakes at Randwick a fortnight ago and has subsequently opened a popular favourite in Ranvet Stakes betting, but nothing short of his best will be required for him to beat a field containing some exciting European imports this weekend.
Check out my comprehensive 2024 Ranvet Stakes preview below.
2024 Ranvet Stakes Betting Strategy
- 4 Units Think It Over (Win)
1 – Think It Over (2)
Think It Over wound back the clock with an exceptional performance and victory in the Verry Elleegant Stakes at his latest appearance, and he can make it two in a row in Saturday’s Ranvet Stakes.
The So You Think gelding is as tough as they come, and at eight-years-old, he proved that he is still more than up to the highest level of racing.
He looks to have this field covered for class and is drawn to receive every chance under Nash Rawiller.
Standout top pick.
2 – Military Mission (6)
Won the Group 2 Herbert Power over a mile and a half in spring before finishing a credible tenth in the Melbourne Cup.
Having ended that prep in the winner’s stall of the Group 2 Zipping Classic, he returned to action to fill the minors of the Randwick City Stakes over the 2000m.
Boasts an excellent second-up record and is drawn well.
Rates as a genuine top three chance.
3 – Buckaroo (3)
Turned in some nice performances abroad before finishing midfield in two Group 1 races when debuting in Australia last spring.
Was well beaten when fifth in the Apollo Stakes first-up last month, but has been back to the trials since, and will relish getting out to the 2000m this week.
The booking of Ryan Moore a bonus this week.
4 – Zeyrek (4)
Has a habit of popping up in strong races when going around at huge odds, and has opened at a $51 quote this week.
Finished off well off the pace in Group 3 company first-up this time, but is a horse that tends to enjoy sharp improvement with a run under his belt.
Will also improve getting out to 2000m and another cheeky performance wouldn’t shock.
5 – Bois D’argent (7)
Bois D’argent went up the rank outsider in Ranvet Stakes betting but has been specked early ($67 into $31).
Turned in a sharp performance when resuming to finish second, beaten just over half a length in the Randwiclk City Stakes.
Yet to win at this point of his preparation (4:0-1-3), but does rate as a genuine top three contender.
6 – Via Sistina (8)
Making her Australian debut in the Ranvet Stakes and is therefore the unknown quantity.
Was a strong and consistent performer in Europe, winning the Group 1 Pretty Polly at The Curragh in July and was Group 1 placed at each of her last three starts.
James McDonald takes the ride, and she is the clear danger to the early Ranvet Stakes betting favourite.
7 – Place Du Carrousel (5)
Another European on debut in Australia, Place Du Carrousel will sport the famous Yulong silks for Anthony & Sam Freedman.
Has won five of ten career starts to date, finishing second a further two times and has found her best at this point of her preparation previously.
Could prove to be the value in 2024 Ranvet Stakes betting ($8.50 at publish).
8 – Riff Rocket (1)
Riff Rocket has been scratched from the 2024 Ranvet Stakes field in favour of a run in the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) against his own age.