Vinrock ready for spring launch in 2025 McNeil Stakes

Unbeaten colt Vinrock will return to racing in Saturday’s Group 3 McNeil Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield, with trainer Matt Laurie confident the rising star can build on an outstanding juvenile season.

Laurie paid $300,000 for the I Am Invincible colt at the Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, before guiding him to victories in the Group 2 VRC Sires’ Produce Stakes and Group 1 ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes. Yulong later bought a majority interest for a much higher sum, though the horse has remained in Laurie’s stable.

“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’s two-year-old campaign began with a Pakenham maiden win before his Group race triumphs stamped him as one of the best of his generation. On Saturday he will wear Yulong’s green and white silks for the first time, with the McNeil designed as his first step toward the $1 million Golden Rose (1400m) at Rosehill on September 27.

The colt has tuned up with two Mornington jumpouts and a gallop on the Caulfield course proper this week. Opposition in the McNeil includes Jimmy Recard, Tycoon Star and Mcgaw, providing a strong test first-up.

Laurie said the colt would improve with racing and was still carrying some condition heading into Saturday.

“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.

Longer-term, Vinrock is being considered for the Caulfield Guineas, although the Coolmore Stud Stakes is also in play if he shows the required speed.

“I probably feel the Guineas is maybe more to his liking, but we just have to see how sharp he comes back,” Laurie said. “He always gave me the feeling that he was a horse for a touch further, but he’s got that ‘Vinnie’ factor where you’re not quite sure.”

Vinrock is priced at $15 for the Coolmore Stud Stakes and $8 for the Golden Rose, behind favourite Nepotism at $5.

Punters eager to back Vinrock in the McNeil Stakes or in spring futures can compare markets at top betting sites.