Aussie Group One Winner for Galileo

Irish bred stayer The United States (6h Galileo x Beauty is Truth, by Pivotal) was a Group III winner back in Ireland and landed the Group II MVRC Moonee Valley Cup last spring, but soared to new heights at Rosehill on Saturday when capturing the Group I ATC Ranvet Stakes. Trained by Robert Hickmott for Nick and Lloyd Williams and partners, The United States was perfectly ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, saving ground along the inside and finishing off hard to win the 2000 metre contest by three quarters of a length over Hauraki with $7million earner Criterion in third place. “He was backing up within a week, so it was a great job from Robert (Hickmott) and his team to have him right,” said McEvoy. “He showed good acceleration and it was a nice race for him.” With six wins and four placings from 16 starts, the best may still be to come from the striking chestnut son of champion sire Galileo, who is now headed to the spelling paddock. “It’s a great honour to be here on what I believe is the biggest day of racing in the Sydney Autumn Carnival,” said Nick Williams, who has Cox Plate plans for The United States. “We only decided to come last Sunday as he pulled up so well after the Blamey (he finished second) and we thought he deserved a chance to win a Group One, but he’ll be in the paddock Monday. “We’ll be looking to the spring and I think a Cox Plate preparation.” The United States is half-brother to Group III winner Fire Lily from Group II winner Beauty is Truth.