Mighty mare gets her own back in another Ranvet thriller -Paul Vettise TDN AusNZ

Following their rousing clash in last year’s G1 Ranvet S., much was expected of defending champion Addeybb (Ire) (Pivotal {GB}) and 2020 runner-up Verry Elleegant (NZ) (Zed {NZ}) in their Rosehill re-match, and they didn’t disappoint.

The Soft conditions at Rosehill suited both multiple top-flight winners, but it was Verry Elleegant who exacted her revenge in the Ranvet and next time out will also look to strip Addeybb of his G1 Queen Elizabeth S. title.

That will be no easy task as the William Haggas-trained Addeybb fought tooth and nail in the straight and will surely improve with a run under his belt. His last outing had been a successful one with victory in the G1 Champion S. at Ascot last October.

Angel Of Truth (Animal Kingdom {USA}) set up a good speed in front on Saturday with Addeybb on his quarters and Verry Elleegant on the fence and when rider James McDonald was off the rail 600 metres from home it was game on.

The Chris Waller-trained mare was in contention on straightening and, after a struggle, was able to assert her superiority in the closing stages with Addeybb the most gallant of seconds and Angel Of Truth hung on for third.

While Verry Elleegant reigned supreme, it was a different story in the G1 The Agency George Ryder S. for stablemate Funstar (Adelaide {Ire}), who was knocked out of contention in the straight and finished at the back of the field behind Think It Over (So You Think {NZ}).

Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy

That disappointment aside, Waller admitted Verry Elleegant continued to provide him with some of his proudest racing moments.

“She’s a great horse and it’s always hard to gauge when you’re running against horses from the other side of the world and he’s been flying the flag up there so proudly,” Waller said. “Well done to Mr Haggas for sending him down, it’s not an easy feat.

“She’s won a G1 Caulfield Cup with international form and she’s brought it to Rosehill.”

Waller said the home-straight battle had stirred memories of 12 months ago and, at one stage, he feared the worst again.

“I thought we were going to win it easily last year and he fought back when we headed him. It was the same thing unfolding and James didn’t pull the trigger as early this year, but when he went the other horse did.

“Gee, she was tough in the last 100 metres, as she was in the Caulfield Cup, and in her other races. She’s a world-class horse.”

Waller has all but ruled out next Saturday’s G1 Tancred S. for Verry Elleegant with the next-up focus on the Queen Elizabeth.

“I doubt she will be there next weekend, but we’ll let the dust settle first,” he said.

It was obvious what victory meant to McDonald and he was again left to marvel at the qualities of Verry Elleegant.

“I haven’t had that much fun on a racecourse for a very long time. She began like an Oakleigh Plater and travelled a little bit strongly, but the pace was good,” he said.

“When I got off at the 600 I thought he (Addeybb) would have to be good to beat me. Halfway up the straight, she was at her top and he was still there, and I was thinking not again, but she’s a wonderful mare.

“She has a fantastic will to win and knows where the line is. She’s amazing and keeps coming back every preparation, she’s a beauty."