Trainer Matt Laurie has already enjoyed major success with Vinrock, but the unbeaten colt will look to add further chapters to his story when he resumes in the Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on Saturday.
Laurie bought the son of I Am Invincible for $300,000 at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale before guiding him to become the stallion’s first Australian two-year-old Group 1 winner. Yulong has since acquired a controlling share at a much higher valuation, though the horse remains in Laurie’s care with potential bonuses still in play.
“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.”
Vinrock, bred by Rosemont Stud, debuted with a maiden win at Pakenham before claiming the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes and Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes to remain undefeated as a juvenile. He will sport Yulong’s green and white silks for the first time in the McNeil, a stepping stone to the $1 million Golden Rose at Rosehill on September 27.
After a Mornington jumpout win and another trial placing, Vinrock completed his final gallop at Caulfield earlier this week. His opposition includes Tycoon Star, Jimmy Recard and Mcgaw, all proven at stakes level.
“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.
Beyond the Golden Rose, Laurie and Yulong will consider races like the Caulfield Guineas or the Coolmore Stud Stakes, depending on how sharp he proves to be.
“I probably feel the Guineas is maybe more to his liking, but we just have to see how sharp he comes back,” Laurie said.
Vinrock is rated a $15 chance in the Coolmore market and sits at $8 for the Golden Rose, where Nepotism holds favouritism at $5.
Punters following Vinrock’s return in the McNeil Stakes can find the best odds across Australia’s leading betting sites.
