Ranier and Tin Hat out to make an autumn impression at Caulfield

Having lived up to his early promise with a pair of Stakes wins at the end of last spring, Ranier will be out to take another step forward when he runs in Saturday’s G3 Manfred Stakes at Caulfield.

Ranier resumes in the Manfred along with stablemate Tin Hat and trainer James Cummings is looking to both three-year-olds to clarify their autumn prospects.

“Ranier has developed nicely during his break since winning the G3 Carbine Club Stakes at Flemington in November,” Cummings said.

“He’s on an Australian Guineas path, so this is a critical race for him.”

The son of Lonhro had been placed in his first five starts before stepping up with a Listed win at Caulfield that was followed by his Carbine Club victory which suggested he was a horse of above average quality.

For Tin Hat, the Manfred is a significant step up in grade, but the gelding has produced impeccable form at his only two starts this time in.

“He’s returned as a gelding and scored two nice wins and he’s capable of running a solid race, but he’d need to lift considerably against opposition of this quality,” Cummings said.

Godolphin’s weekend Stakes-race line-up is completed by Encryption in the Listed WJ Adams Stakes.

“He’s enjoyed a straightforward preliminary that has him ready to run well fresh against older horses here,” Cummings said.

“This looks an interesting line-up, including Written By who he’s finished behind on three occasions.”