Vin Santo has made an impressive start to his new preparation, comfortably winning first-up for new trainer Renita Beaton following two encouraging trial victories.
Presenting beautifully on race day, Vin Santo was alert but relaxed as he headed to the barriers. Jumping cleanly from barrier five, he was part of an early three-way group before quickly settling into a comfortable rhythm outside the leader.
Approaching the turn, Vin Santo eased up alongside the leader while jockey Tiffani Brooker – who had also partnered him in his two trial wins – remained patient, sitting quietly until the 200m mark.
When asked for an effort, Vin Santo quickly found another gear. Ridden hands and heels, he pulled clear before easing down approaching the post to score comfortably by 0.75 lengths.
It was an impressive first-up performance and an exciting start to his preparation under Renita. On the strength of the win, a metropolitan start may not be too far away.
With two trial wins followed by a first-up race victory, Vin Santo certainly looks to have returned in excellent order.
