OVER the years Preston trainer Eric Alston has had some very fast horses and he is also a man to be taken very seriously when sending them on a long journey. The Bushranger filly Ridge Ranger, starting at 14/1, took it up at half-way in the five-furlong Weatherbys Private Banking Handicap and fairly shot clear for Neil Farley to beat heavily-backed favourite Double Up by a length and a half.

Her previous form had been against her own sex over slightly longer trips but she is clearly speedy and may well be up to listed class, owner Con Harrington hopes.