Central Coast trainer Jake Hull expresses quiet confidence that his consistent galloper Lord Vettori can finally break through for a well-deserved maiden victory at Grafton this Sunday. The Rubick gelding has placed in five of his seven career starts but remains winless, a statistic that surprises his trainer given the horse's evident ability and determination.
Consistent Performer Ready for Breakthrough
Lord Vettori returns to racing in the Hearfield & Thompson Tiling Maiden Plate over 1115m, with Hull believing this might be the ideal opportunity for the four-year-old to secure that elusive first win. "He is a trier," Hull stated. "The only bad run he has ever put in, I think it was at Wyong one day where he pulled up with the thumps. He's a consistent galloper that's for sure and he's got a little bit of ability."
The gelding has been prepared for his first-up assignment with consecutive trial placings at Hawkesbury and Wyong in recent weeks. Hull notes several positive factors heading into Sunday's race, including a favourable barrier draw and the booking of experienced jockey Matt McGuren. "He'll roll forward, he gets Matt McGuren on board, so he ticks a few boxes," Hull explained.
Quality Bloodlines Suggest Bright Future
Lord Vettori boasts an impressive pedigree that suggests he may be better than his current maiden status indicates. By Rubick - sire of Everest winner Yes Yes Yes and Golden Rose victor Jacquinot - the gelding shares the same third dam as Godolphin's stakes-winning trio of Aft Cabin, Multaja and Veranillo.
His bloodlines extend further to include Riverina Charm, one of the outstanding three-year-old fillies of the late 1980s who captured four Group 1 races during her career. This royal lineage supports Hull's belief that Lord Vettori possesses more ability than a typical country galloper and should eventually find winning form.
Shayne O'Cass Race Day Analysis and Best Bets
Form analyst Shayne O'Cass has identified his top selections for the Grafton meeting, with The Torque Express earning best bet status in race 4. "Unlucky on debut, spelled, won easily first-up. Very progressive type," O'Cass noted of the promising galloper.
His next best comes in race 7 with Whiskey Miss, who has returned in excellent form this preparation. For value seekers, O'Cass suggests keeping an eye on Joanjett in race 3, describing the Matthew Dunn-trained filly as ready to 'rock 'n' roll' following an impressive recent trial.
O'Cass also highlights apprentice jockey Jett Newman as one to follow, with the young hoop maintaining a remarkable 27.6% winning strike-rate when riding for his primary employer Matthew Dunn.
Inside Mail Race-by-Race Guide
The day's racing begins with the Gjr Sheetmetal Maiden Handicap over 1720m, where Mahuika Maroi appears poised for success after finishing second at her two previous attempts at the distance. The Redwood mare represents the best value in the opening event according to O'Cass's analysis.
Later on the card, Sun Topaze brings strong track and distance form to race 5, having won his most recent start over the 2230m course by an impressive four-length margin. The experienced campaigner has raced at Grafton on 19 occasions and appears well-suited to the conditions.
The feature race of the day sees Prancing With Fire aiming to continue her consistent form in the Benchmark 74 Handicap. The mare arrives with a win sandwiched between two second-place finishes, including a victory in the Casino Cup where she defeated quality opposition.
Sunday's Grafton meeting presents punters with numerous opportunities throughout the seven-race program, headlined by Lord Vettori's quest for that long-awaited maiden victory and several other promising gallopers looking to make their mark.
