Ranger stake his claim for the G1 Railway Stakes with a thrilling victory in the LR Northerly Stakes at Ascot on Saturday.

Ranger (5g Testa Rossa – Marrich Bay by Old Spice) defeated Waratah’s Secret in a fitting finish to the race named after one of the greats of Australian racing.  Owner-breeder Bob Peters paid tribute to Waratah’s Secret at the presentation noting the runner-up had to concede 7kg to Ranger.

Peters and his wife Sandra are going to be a force in the Railway Stakes with promising galloper Rafferty (More Than Ready) also heading for the million-dollar mile on November 19.

Ranger is by Vinery sire Testa Rossa and he may attempt to win the G2 Perth Cup double on New Year’s Eve.  He started favourite in the last Perth Cup but was unplaced after a torrid run facing the breeze.

Peters has won three Perth Cups starting with Field Officer (Old Spice) in 1993 and following up with Crown Prosecutor (Grand Lodge) in 2005 and Lords Ransom (Jeune) in 2010.

“Ranger is a very relaxed horse,” Peters explained.  “Testa Rossa is best known for his sprinters like Ortenaia and Rostova but he has also sired South Australian Derby winner Testafiable.”

Ranger’s dam Marrich Bay has now foaled three stakes winners following Hardrada (Marooned) and Storm Alert (Metal Storm).  Hardrada won the G1 Railway Stakes in 2003 and Storm Alert won the G3 Cockram Stakes at Caulfield in 2005.

Peters also raced Marrich Bay’s brother Lawmaker and the gelding carried his cerise and white silks to victory the Goldfields Triple Crown comprising the Kalgoorlie, Boulder and Coolgardie Cups.