Ranjaan stakes Triumph claim

Ranjaan: Strong performance at Taunton

Ranjaan became the second Triumph Hurdle candidate to emerge in as many days as he beat his elders in the Read Donald McCain's Column On Betfair Handicap Hurdle at Taunton on Thursday.

Just 24 hours on from Grumeti's promotion to the head of the betting for the juvenile championship despite falling at Newbury, the Paul Nicholls-trained Ranjaan was given a 14-1 quote for the Cheltenham event by Stan James.

He was always travelling strongly in the hands of Daryl Jacob and while there may be room to improve his hurdling, he obviously has a fair engine.

Fellow 7-2 joint-favourite and top weight Third Intention was his main rival over the final two flights, but the Highclere Thoroughbred-owned runner had far too much speed for that rival, albeit in receipt of plenty of weight.

The owner's racing manager, Harry Herbert, said: "It's so exciting. He was very impressive and it's all systems go for the Triumph now.

Amazing

"He's amazing to look at. He's very big for a four-year-old and when Anthony Bromley and Paul bought him I thought they must have got his passport mixed up he was so big.

"When we paraded him at the open day everyone was blown away by his physique and you'd have to think there's enormous improvement in him.

"Paul was amazed when he was beaten at Newbury first time, but he knew that wasn't the horse he'd seen on the gallops.

"It was unfortunate he fell next time and we got a glimpse at Kempton last time out of what he could do.

"The way he travelled was the talking point. Daryl said he pulled his arms out the whole way.

"It was a great thrill and while Paul said today we'll go straight to Cheltenham, you never know and he could have an entry in the Adonis or something similar."