Promising 3YO VANDINI bounced back from a luckless outing at the Sunshine Coast to register his first win at Grafton on Tuesday.
Aided by an excellent Ben Thompson-ride, VANDINI won the 1710m maiden with relative ease, running on strongly to finish 1.25 lengths clear of the runner-up.
It was in stark contrast to the gelding’s previous start, which saw him held up for virtually the entire length of the Sunshine Coast straight.
Tuesday’s victory was only the third career start for VANDINI, and Thompson suggested the son of VANCOUVER would continue to improve over longer distances in his post-race interview.
“It was great to get the job done at this early stage of his career,” Thompson said.
“I wasn’t sure I was going to pick up the leader in time but thankfully he really knuckled down. He’s got a great set of lungs on him.
“The closer we got to the post, the better he was going.”
Co-trainers Steve O’Dea and Matt Hoysted have an outstanding record when travelling horses south of the border from their Eagle Farm base and VANDINI’s four-hour float trip was a worthwhile expedition as he collected $17,905 with the BOBS bonuses.
VANDINI was purchased by Proven Thoroughbreds for $40,000 from the draft of Milburn Creek at the 2020 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale.
He becomes our 35th winner for the season and 4th for the year.