Macedon Lodge have taken the first Group 1 feature race of 2016 Golden Slipper Day after The United States mustered a big turn of foot to take out the Ranvet Stakes (2000m) from a fast-finishing Hauraki.

The United States posted a maiden win at the highest level in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes this afternoon. Photo: Steve Hart

The United States was not expected to line up for the Ranvet Stakes after contesting the Group 2 Blamey Stakes (1600m) only one week ago, but had clearly taken plenty of benefit from the run when jumping well and taking a good position in running off the pace of early leaders Bohemian Lily and Dibayani.

Hugging the rails rounding onto the final straight, The United States immediately responded when asked for an extra effort by jockey Kerrin McEvoy and locked in a fierce sprint battle with Hauraki; hitting the line a head in the clear.

McEvoy delivered a patient ride on The United States to win the Ranvet Stakes and was quick to lay the praise on Macedon Lodge for electing to run the six-year-old in the race.

“He was backing up within a week so great job by Robert, Lloyd, Nick and the team,” McEvoy said.

“We were last on the rail and they weren’t going really slow, but I thought I’d just cut the corner because I had a better turn of foot and that’s what he showed.

“He really quickened up through the gap and I was in front with 100 yards, he showed great acceleration.

“It was a nice race for him today.”

Prominent owner Nick Williams was thrilled with The United States’ performance to win the Ranvet Stakes and revealed he will be set for the 2016 Cox Plate upon resuming in spring.

“It’s fantastic,” Williams said after the race.

“It’s a great honour to be here and this is without doubt the biggest day of racing in autumn in Australia. The Golden Slipper and the Melbourne Cup are the only two races that anyone around the world knows anything about, and it’s an honour to win a race here.

“It was 99% he would have gone to the paddock after the Blamey but he ran so well and he ate up on Saturday night. On Sunday he was bouncing off the walls and we thought he deserves his chance at Group 1.

“Off the strength of that, we’ll have to wait and see but I would suggest he’ll be on a Cox Plate campaign.”

Punters who backed The United States to be crowned 2016 Ranvet Stakes winner have been paid out on generous $5.50 odds for success!

2016 Ranvet Stakes Results