There was no doubting Vinrock (I Am Invincible) was the standout in the Listed Exford Plate. A Group 1 winner as a juvenile, he carried a 102 handicap rating – 28 points higher of his nearest rival.
The Matt Laurie-trained colt jumped quickly from the outside barrier under his big weight, with Mark Zahra content to sit outside the pace-making Wise Inlaw (Wootton Bassett {GB}). The tempo was only moderate, but at the 300-metre mark Vinrock loomed as the winner, and so it proved, powering clear to score by 1.75l.
West Of Swindon (Wootton Bassett {GB}) was excellent running on strongly after enduring the toughest run of the field, while Wise Inlaw fought on well for third, and Hillier (Zoustar) closed off tidily for fourth.
When asked about Vinrock’s racing style, Laurie was quick to highlight his tactical advantage.
“I think that’s one of his assets. He can begin well, obviously over a shorter trip he sort of found it a little bit trickier, but he’s a horse that we’ve always felt would be pretty good over a little bit further. It was a good set up today for Mark, and I’m very pleased to see him back in the winner’s circle.”
Laurie also praised the colt’s determination and stallion credentials.
“I think he’s a pretty tough horse; you put it to him, he tries pretty hard so I think when the going gets tough he’ll give his best. He’s a quality colt, he’s by the right stallion. I’m really pleased for Yulong, they’ve purchased him, he’s going to be standing there one day, and it’s nice to add to his CV again.”
As for where Vinrock heads next, Laurie was keeping options open.
“I was hoping we’d be going to a Golden Rose third up. I still think we should be looking that path, but we’ll have a good chat tomorrow.”
Vinrock sold for $300,000 at the 2024 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale with Matt Laurie Racing and Wilannah Park Bloodstock being the successful purchasers from the draft of Rosemont Stud. After winning the Gr.1 Sires’ Produce Stakes in the autumn, Yulong bought into the colt and he now wears the famous Yulong colours.
Vinrock is the third live-foal from the talented Redoute’s Choice mare Girl Gone Rockin’ who won just under $300,000 on the track including the Gr.2 Matriarch Stakes. Girl Gone Rockin’s first two foals to race have both been winners including Maisy (Pierro) who has been a two-time winner and Rocky Rogue (Written Tycoon) who has also won twice.
Written for TTRAusNZ
