Vermentino well-placed to extend unbeaten streak at The Valley

Written by James Lamb for Racenet.

 

Vermentino will be chasing his fourth win from as many starts when he tackles the Raymond Martin Handicap over 1200m at Moonee Valley on Saturday.

Entered for two races over the weekend – and a clear favourite for both – the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-prepared galloper is likely to be scratched from Sunday's straight-course assignment at Flemington.

"We're leaning to running him at The Valley – it looks a suitable race for him," Maher said.

Vermentino has made a big impression in his short career to date, winning his three outings by a combined margin of 6.5 lengths.

The son of Extreme Choice steps up from Benchmark 70 grade to a Benchmark 84 but drops 4.5kg from his last-start victory at Sandown Lakeside.

Ethan Brown has been entrusted with riding duties for the first time, taking over from Ben Melham.

                                                   Vermentino wins at Sandown Lakeside on December 14 (Image Pat Scala/Racing Photos).

 

Bookmakers are taking no chances with the promising gelding, with Vermentino hardly budging from his $1.70 opening quote.

"He's come on nicely since his last win. He's worked well and I can't see any reason why he can't put another one on the board," a confident Maher said.

"He played up a bit before the start last time but he's pretty straightforward in his races. He makes his own luck and he's doing things pretty well at the moment."

The Peter Moody-trained mare Dance To Dubai holds second-favouritism behind Vermentino at $4.80 with TAB, with Sandy Prince the only other runner at single-figure odds.

Maher and Eustace hold a strong Valley hand, with Matron Bullwinkel, Kettle Hill and Quraysha likely to jump favourites in races four, six and nine respectively.

The stable also has the two early favourites for Sunday's Flemington features, with Pal D'oro a $3.60 chance for the Chester Manifold Stakes and Persan ($3.20) the clear market leader for the Bagot Handicap.

 

 

 

Previous

Le Metayer puts his faith in Siyouni once again

Le Metayer puts his faith in Siyouni once again

With plenty of Australian activity at the Tattersalls December Mare Sale, buyers from the southern hemisphere made their presence felt during the first session of the Arqana Breeding Stock Sale yesterday with prominent agents Louis Le Metayer, Damon Gabbedy and William Johnson all securing mares on the first day of the Deauville sale. 

Ace High fulfils Group One destiny

Ace High fulfils Group One destiny

A classic case of being in the right place at the right time led Rich Hill Stud’s John Thompson to the stable door of Ace High. 

Last Saturday was a special day for Astute Bloodstock

Last Saturday was a special day for Astute Bloodstock

Last Saturday was a special day for Astute Bloodstock given that each of our 5 runners rose to the occasion and won convincingly at Royal Randwick and Flemington. Our priority at work is to select and purchase future elite racehorses so it was a thrill to see 3 winning at Gr.2 level. 

Amelia's Jewel All Class in Stocks Stakes

Amelia's Jewel All Class in Stocks Stakes

Given a positive ride by Damian Lane, Amelia's Jewel needed a track record-breaking performance to capture Friday night's Group II Ladbrokes Stocks Stakes at Moonee Valley. 

Q&A with Louis Le Metayer

Q&A with Louis Le Metayer

Q&A with Louis Le Metayer 

 

Eliyass Keeps his Australian Record Perfect in Kingston Town Stakes
News



Ownership Opportunities
   
The pursuit of top horses continues in Europe this spring.
Video
 

Racetrack Success
Racing Success
   
Who is the best stallion for your mare?
Video