Matt Laurie has already achieved a major success with Vinrock, but the Mornington trainer is hoping there is more to come as the colt begins his three-year-old season in Saturday’s Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield.
Laurie originally purchased the son of I Am Invincible for $300,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, before turning him into the stallion’s first Australian juvenile Group 1 winner. Yulong later secured controlling interest at a figure well beyond Laurie’s initial outlay, though the colt remains in his care with future incentives attached.
“He’s class horse, he’s proven that already – he was unbeaten as a two-year-old – and he’s a hell of a type,” Laurie said.
“So, he’s going to be very well received when he gets there (stud), but if he can add another Group 1 to his CV as three-year-old, then he’s going to be very well-bought and I hope that’s the case.
“I’m looking forward to seeing get to the stallion barn one day, but he’s got a bit more work to do.”
Bred by Rosemont Stud, Vinrock launched his career with a Pakenham maiden win before adding the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Flemington and the Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Randwick to remain unbeaten as a juvenile.
He will wear Yulong’s familiar green and white silks for the first time in the McNeil Stakes, worth $200,000, as part of a program aimed at the Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 27.
After a Mornington jumpout win on August 6, followed by a third placing in another 1000m hit-out, Vinrock completed his preparations with a gallop on the Caulfield course proper on Tuesday. His rivals on Saturday include Yulong’s Tycoon Star, Jimmy Recard – who defeated him in the Vain Stakes – and The Showdown winner Mcgaw.
“There’s still some good improvement in him, visually he’s still a touch wintry in the coat, but we’re planning to get the Golden Rose third-up and by the time that comes around he should look ‘Mickey Mouse’,” Laurie said.
“We’d expect him to improve with the outing and there’s probably more short-course horses in this (McNeil Stakes).
“We think he’ll be competitive, but he’s obviously only going to get better as we get out over a little bit further.”
Vinrock is considered a top prospect for the Caulfield Guineas, but if he shows sharpness early, connections could instead look at the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m), a race already won by three other I Am Invincible progeny.
“I probably feel the Guineas is maybe more to his liking, but we just have to see how sharp he comes back,” Laurie said. “He always gave me the feeling that he was a horse for a touch further, but he’s got that ‘Vinnie’ factor where you’re not quite sure.”
Vinrock is currently a $15 chance for the Coolmore Stud Stakes and shares the $8 third line of betting for the Golden Rose alongside Autumn Boy, with Nepotism the $5 favourite.
Punters looking to back Vinrock in the McNeil Stakes or in spring futures markets can compare prices at Australia’s top betting sites.
