Matt Laurie and the Yulong team have taken a calculated approach with Vinrock as they zero in on the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas.

Although the colt held an entry for Saturday’s Group 1 Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill, the decision was made to bypass the trip to Sydney in favour of a run in the Group 2 Stutt Stakes (1600m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.

Laurie said the Guineas is a stallion-defining race and keeping the colt in Melbourne gave him the best chance to peak on October 11.

Vinrock already boasts Group 1 credentials thanks to his two-year-old victory in the ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m). This campaign he was fourth at Caulfield first-up before claiming the Listed Exford Plate (1400m) at Flemington.

“We had a good think about it, and we just felt to give him the best chance to be back for the Guineas it would be to stay home and run in the Stutt,” Laurie said.

“Hopefully it’s another Group race he can add to his resume and then he can take his chance in the Guineas.

“I don’t think it will hurt him having a strong, 1600-metre run before the Guineas.

“He can begin well and take up a position, and I think the Stutt has been a reasonable form race for the Guineas.”

Only three horses have won both the Stutt Stakes and the Caulfield Guineas since 2000: Helenus (2002), Whobegotyou (2008) and Griff (2023).

If you’re backing a runner in the Caulfield Guineas, make sure to compare the best betting sites, leading bookmakers and top betting apps before placing a bet.