Champion sire Fastnet Rock already has two exciting two year-olds running for him this season in Sneaky Five and Acrobat and we can add another name to that list with Ranch Hand bolting in on debut at Warwick Farm in the manner of a future stakes-winner.
Prepared by Chris Waller for a powerful syndicate of international and Australian investors headed by Coolmore’s Tom Magnier, Ranch Hand showed nice ability in two recent trials and upped the ante on raceday.
He travelled well for James McDonald behind the leaders and when shown clear running in the straight zoomed past talented Not a Single Doubt filly Mura Mura to win going away by more than three lengths.
The runner-up Mura Mura was sent out favourite and was last seen finishing third to Sneaky Five in the $1million ATC Golden Gift, so the form out of this maiden race looks strong.
“It was a very nice debut. We’ve always thought a lot of him and he trialled really well with a bit up his sleeve,” said McDonald.
“He felt like if one had challenged him today, he would have gone again.”
A $260,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Turangga Farm draft for Tom Magnier, Ranch Hand is eligible for the rich $2million MM 2YO Classic next month, although his trainer is non committal about that race.
“He’s still very new and has a lot to learn, but he was dominant to the end,” said Chris Waller.
“Horses that race seven days prior to the Magic Millions look to have a pretty good record, so we won’t say no, but at the same time we won’t ruin his career just to get there.
“We’ll talk to the owners and see how he pulls up and I guess make a decision next week.”
Bred by Stuart Ramsey, Ranch Hand is the second foal and first winner for Mezulla (NZ), a metropolitan winner by Shamardal (USA) from the family of Kiwi Group I winner Just Call Me Sir.
Fastnet Rock currently leads the Australian 2YO Sires List by earnings as we head towards Christmas.
