Written by Keely Mckitterick
Australia's Champion Sire, I Am Invincible, appears to have yet another promising talent emerging from his progeny as his daughter, Rantan, made a triumphant debut at Newcastle on Wednesday.
Trained by Ron Quinton, the 2-year-old filly had already turned heads with an impressive trial victory at Randwick earlier in March.
Rantan, debuting in the aptly named ‘I Am Invincible Easter Yearlings Midway Mdn’ over 900 metres, was partnered by jockey Tim Clark. Despite initially settling towards the rear of the field after a slow break, the filly showcased remarkable tenacity and acceleration, overtaking her competitors. Rantan clinched victory with a 0.60l over Shall Be (Shalaa {Ire}) and Sneaky Sofia (Merchant Navy).
Rantan’s effort impressed Clark. However, he shared with Sky Racing post-race the filly would take plenty of improvement, “She’s going to take good improvement from today (Wednesday). Obviously, it was her debut, so it was a learning curve for her.
“I didn’t really want to be giving ground at that point in the race (home straight), but I was four wide and mindful I wanted to teach Rantan a bit as well. She had to overcome a bit to win, and I feel there was probably a lot more merit in the victory than the short margin suggests.
“Definitely a filly that will progress through the grades. Unfortunately, for Kerrin he had been trailing her but he’s out for a while and I’m happy to keep the saddle warm.
“I think she’ll get out over a bit more ground and once she learns to harness that speed early, she will be very handy. I’d say her sectionals were pretty good for a filly having her first start.”
“I think she’ll get out over a bit more ground and once she learns to harness that speed early, she will be very handy. I’d say her sectionals were pretty good for a filly having her first start.” - Tim Clark
Rantan’s trainer Ron Quinton admitted he felt the filly would have won easier than she did but put it down to her inexperience, “Frankly, I thought she would have won easier than that,” he told Sky Racing.
“To me it looked like she didn’t quite know where she was going and lucky it’s a long straight at Newcastle and we weren’t at Wyong or Gosford.
“Anyway, Rantan has got the job done, and I think she’ll be better over 1200 metres rather than the 900 metres today (Wednesday).
Ron Quinton | Image courtesy of The Image Is Everything
“I also thought she didn’t quite know where to put her legs next. Down at the horse stall she was looking at everything because she’s a real inquisitive filly, but she needs to look where she’s going not where she’s been.
“If Rantan comes through this run well, I’m probably going to give her one more race and then I’ll bring her back for the spring as a 3-year-old filly.”
Well-related filly
Bred and retained by Gall Bloodstock, Rantan is the fifth foal from the Strada mare Sweet Kiss. She won four races, including once as a 2-year-old. Sweet Kiss was purchased for $240,000 by Pedrille Thoroughbreds at the 2017 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale.
Unfortunately, for Gall Bloodstock, Sweet Kiss died in November last year after foaling a colt by I Am Invincible. Prior to her passing, Sweet Kiss has produced five winners, led by the Group 1-placed Gotta Kiss (Not A Single Doubt) and the Listed winner Infatuation (I Am Invincible).
Gotta Kiss at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast National Broodmare Sale | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
Gotta Kiss, bred by Gall Bloodstock was sold for $150,000 to Proven Thoroughbred and Steven O’Dea Racing at the 2019 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale. She was reoffered through the 2021 Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale where Gall Bloodstock alongside Peter Morgan for $800,000.
The daughter of Not A Single Doubt first foal, by 'Vinnie' was offered at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale where he was passed in for $400,000. Gotta Kiss foaled a filly by Yarraman Park’s Champion Sire in September and revisited him.
