Matt Laurie has celebrated his second Group 1 win in just four days, with Vinrock’s victory in the ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes marking a remarkable hot streak for the trainer.
The unbeaten three-year-old, who now boasts three wins from as many starts, became the first horse since Full On Aces in 1981 to secure the VRC-ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes double.
Laurie, also the trainer of star filly Treasurethe Moment, who won the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m) and is the favourite for the Australian Oaks (2400m), admitted he was stunned by his recent success.
“It’s a dream come true,” Laurie said. “I’m very proud of the horse and the team.”
Vinrock, a son of I Am Invincible, was passed in at the Inglis Melbourne Premier Sale before Laurie purchased him for $300,000. Saturday’s win took his earnings to over $800,000.
“I valued him a lot higher,” Laurie recalled. “It’s very special.”
Laurie had identified the Sires’ Produce Stakes as Vinrock’s target before he even raced, and the colt’s victory has set him up for a potential start in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in two weeks.
Vinrock triumphed by a half-neck over State Visit ($18), with Buffalo ($18) another half-head away.