Ranko Express emerged victorious in the three-year-old handicap over nine furlongs at Gowran Park, flashing home inside the final furlong to secure the win.

The Andy Slattery-trained gelding drifted from 9/2 to 8/1 but chased down front-runner Water Mint in the final furlong.

Andrew Slattery junior was able to ease up close to the finish line as Ranko Express, a Buratino gelding, triumphed by a length and three-quarters.

This victory marked Ranko Express's handicap debut and it was the fifth race of his career.

The winning rider said:- “It looked a poor race with a few exposed horses. He had a couple of nice maiden runs.

“Early on it looked like he was going to go sprinting and as time went on he got more like his sister Pineapple Express as he’s grown and developed.

“Hopefully he can keep improving. He’s a big, raw horse.”

Andy Slattery senior has travelled to Chester where Sunchart runs in the Ormonde Stakes tomorrow.

(Quotes by Alan Magee)