The James Cummings trained Ranier proved that he could run out a strong mile when he carried the Godolphin royal blue colours to a hard fought victory in the Group 3 $200,000 The Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Flemington today.

Ranier, in the royal blue colours on the fence, wins The Carbine Club Stakes at Flemington. Photo by Steve Hart.

Cummings was happy with the way Ranier came through the test and has earmarked the Group 1 $1m Australian Guineas (1600m) at Flemington in March next year as the Lonhro colt’s main 2019 Autumn Carnival goal.

“It is the start of Ranier’s career ahead now that the penny has dropped,” Cummings said.

“I just wanted to see the horse running on nicely in the straight and he had to get out there and prove that he could run the mile out strongly.”

“He is a sharp colt by Lonhro out of a Redoute’s mare with plenty of speed.”

“I really feel that he has earmarked himself as a Guineas colt, probably bring him back her for the Australian Guineas in March next year.”

Hugh Bowman settled Ranier ($5 favourite) back in fifth position on the fence from barrier one and only had to go around one horse in the straight before rolling back to the fence and under strong urgings from Bowman the colt was able to hold off the challenge of the runner up Wild Planet ($6.50).

The Tony McEvoy trained Secret Blaze ($18) ran on well for third.

Team Hawkes co-trainer Wayne Hawkes said that Wild Planet is likely to line up against Ranier again in the Australian Guineas.