Contributer Goes For More Group One Glory In Ranvet

Time/Date - 14.30hrs local time/Saturday, March 21, 2015
Racecourse/Country - Rosehill Gardens/Australia
Surface/Distance - Turf/1m 2f

Contributer seeks a third straight win and a second consecutive Group One success in the Ranvet Stakes at Rosehill Gardens, Australia, on Saturday, March 21.

The John O'Shea-trained five-year-old steps back up to 10 furlongs following a fine win in the mile Liverpool City Council Chipping Norton Stakes at Warwick Farm on February 28, when he ran on well finish a half-length ahead of stable companion Hartnell who has boosted the form since.

He was the impressive winner of the Group Two Optus Apollo Stakes over seven furlongs at Royal Randwick on February 14, having finished eighth in the mile Group One Emirates Stakes at Flemington on November 8

Contributer made a winning debut in Australia with a length success in the 10-furlong Group Three David Jones Cup at Caulfield on October 18.

He had nine starts in the UK prior to this season, winning four times from an extended mile through to 10 furlongs including a half-length success in the Listed Wolferton Handicap over a mile and a quarter at Royal Ascot in June.

James McDonald, who has ridden Contributer on all of his Australian appearances, is in the saddle again.

John O'Shea said: "If anything, Contributer has probably improved again coming into this race.

"There doesn't look to be an abundance of speed and our endeavour has always been to ride him a little bit conservatively as I think he races better that way. He won't have that luxury here so he will roll forward and put himself into the race.

"There are very similar form-lines to those he has been meeting all season with the exception of the Japanese horse who probably holds the key to the race.

"Contributer is in great order and continues to improve building to a peak heading into the AUS$4-million race in The Championships (Group One, Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Royal Randwick, 10f, April 11, 2015)."

Contributer faces six rivals including Japanese Group Three winner Tosen Stardom, Group One The Star Epsom winner He's Your Man and Chipping Norton Stakes fourth Silent Achiever.