Veteran sprinter Nicolini Vito showed his class at Caulfield on Saturday, scoring a thrilling victory in the Group 3 Victoria Handicap for Lindsay Park.

The eight-year-old followed the path of stablemate Here To Shock, who took out the same race in 2023, giving the Hayes brothers consecutive wins in the event.

Trainer Will Hayes described Nicolini Vito’s recent form as aging to perfection.

“He’s like a fine wine, he’s getting better as he gets older,” Hayes said.

Luke Currie guided the $11 chance through traffic late to get the bob in over Miss Aria ($9.50) and Roll On High ($11), winning by a narrow half-head.

With nine wins from 42 starts, Nicolini Vito is nearing a million dollars in prize money and appears to be hitting peak form again.

“The key with him is that he is relaxing better in the early part of his races which is allowing him to hit the line strongly,” Hayes said.

“I think he could go out in trip again.”

It was the gelding’s first win since May last year at Sandown, although his form has been consistent throughout the seasons since.

Hayes credited Currie’s composure and timing for delivering the win.

“We just thought with the rise up to 1400 metres, we want to keep him in a rhythm, keep him comfortable,” Hayes said.

“He didn’t panic around the bend, he took all the runs that came and when the split came, he had the horse underneath him to really savage the line.

“It was a very impressive win.”

Currie said his pre-race strategy had to be adapted mid-race but things still fell into place late.

“Being back on the fence wasn’t part of the plan, but I was lucky enough to pick our way through and get there in time,” Currie said.

“He was the easiest ride. He wasn’t bolting behind them, not crashing and banging. It was nice and easy for him and if the runs came for him, he was going to quicken.

“If they didn’t, then I would be getting the sack.”