Contributer Gains Easy Ranvet Success

Contributer progressed further to win the 10-furlong Group One Ranvet Stakes easily at Rosehill Gardens, Australia, on Saturday, March 21.

The five-year-old, trained by John O'Shea and ridden by James McDonald, was far too good for his six opponents.

Contributer was held up and tucked in fifth before settling sixth as Fast Dragon took them along.

Kept to the inside turning in, he moved up to third in the straight and was switched out to challenge with over a furlong remaining.

He soon led and put the race to bed by quickly going clear and won eased down by a length and a quarter from Japanese challenger Tosen Stardom in 2m 3.10s on ground officially described as good.

Contributer is now on target for the AUS$4-million Group One Queen Elizabeth Stakes over 10 furlongs at Royal Randwick on April 11.

John O'Shea commented: "James has always been adamant that if we ride the horse a little quieter he'll accelerate better. I think Contributer really appreciated that and kicked clear in magnificent style.

"It was a wonderful performance, with an electric turn of foot, and we've been happy with him at home.

"The firm ground was a big worry for us but Contributer told us he was comfortable and it was a great ride from James McDonald for a very convincing win.

"This is very exciting, very rewarding for our team. It is a big team effort and you saw the result there.

"We'll get Contributer home, keep him going, turn up in three weeks' time and hope."

James McDonald added: "This horse is superior to any other racing in the country and has just proved it. That was awesome."

Contributer has enjoyed three successive wins, taking the Group Two Apollo Stakes, the Group One Chipping Norton Stakes and today's Ranvet Stakes.