Trainers Leon and Troy Corstens are hoping Ranting (NZ) (Zoustar) can return to his winning ways in the David Bourke Memorial Handicap (1200m) at Pakenham on Saturday.
The New Zealand-bred four-year-old has been absent from the winner’s stall since his victory in the Gr.3 Blue Sapphire Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield last year and his conditioners are keen for a return.
Ranting will be lining up for the fourth start of his preparation on Saturday.
He finished fourth first-up at The Valley behind Dexelation (Ambidexter) over 1000m on Cox Plate Day before stepping up to 1200m and finishing down the track behind Quantico (I Am Invincible) in the Listed MSS Security Sprint (1200m) at Flemington on Melbourne Cup Day.
At his last start, Ranting did not get a lot of clear galloping room when a close-up third to Aquagirl over 1100m at Ballarat.
“I think he’s back to full fitness on Saturday and the 1200 metres should suit,” Troy Corstens said.
“It looks a great race for him, Pakenham should be a nice even track and I think he can definitely win.
“He’s a four-year-old stallion now and he’s just taken a bit longer to come to hand than we thought, and the blinkers go back on Saturday as well.
“They should help him concentrate and bit.”
