Trainer Matt Laurie will shift focus to Sydney after Vinrock’s impressive victory in the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Flemington.
After a maiden win at Pakenham on February 20, Vinrock led from start to finish in the 1400m race, winning by two lengths as the $3.40 favourite. Brave Design ($7) finished second, while Onavuitton ($19) took third.
Although not nominated for the Group 1 Golden Slipper, Vinrock is set to compete in the Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Randwick on April 5, with the Group 1 Champagne Stakes to follow.
Laurie explained that Vinrock, one of his early two-year-old triallers, would benefit from a 1400m race, revealing, “He’s a very tough horse and when he was placed under pressure, he really responded well.”
Jockey Mark Zahra praised Laurie’s foresight, saying, “Matt has plotted a path, and it has come off.”