Consistent Galloper Seeks Breakthrough Victory
Gosford trainer Jake Hull expresses quiet confidence that his well-bred gelding Lord Vettori can secure a long-awaited first career victory when he returns to racing at Grafton this Sunday. The Rubick-sired four-year-old has shown remarkable consistency throughout his seven-start career, managing five placings across various tracks without yet breaking through for a win.
"He is a trier," Hull stated about his charge. "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."
Despite racing predominantly in Super Maiden company, Lord Vettori has demonstrated enough talent to suggest victory is imminent. His recent trial form supports this optimism, with back-to-back thirds at Hawkesbury over 800m and Wyong over 1000m indicating he's ready to fire first-up.
Perfect Conditions for Maiden Success
Lord Vettori will contest the Hearfield & Thompson Tiling Maiden Plate over 1115m, a distance Hull believes suits the gelding perfectly for his campaign opener. Drawing a favourable barrier and securing the services of jockey Matt McGuren adds to the positive indicators.
"We've drawn well," Hull confirmed. "It looks like there are a couple in there that may be tough to beat but he's definitely warranted opening up second favourite. He'll roll forward, he gets Matt McGuren on board, so he ticks a few boxes."
The trainer revealed his strategic thinking behind the race selection, noting that "I just felt the 1100m would be ideal to kick him off in, he sprints well enough fresh for that trip and then if we do break the maiden on Sunday you'd probably look to get up a little bit in trip after that."
Impressive Bloodlines Support Class Claims
Lord Vettori boasts an exceptional pedigree that suggests he possesses more ability than his maiden status indicates. By Rubick, whose progeny include Everest winner Yes Yes Yes and Golden Rose victor Jacquinot, the gelding comes from a family with proven Group 1 success.
His bloodlines connect to the stakes-winning Godolphin trio of Aft Cabin, Multaja and Veranillo through his third dam. More significantly, his fourth dam Ivy Cottage was a half-sister to Riverina Charm, one of the outstanding three-year-old fillies of the late 1990s.
Trained by Brian Mayfield-Smith for Robert Sangster, Riverina Charm captured four Group 1 races during her career, including victories over notable competitors Research, Better Loosen Up and Power Of Destiny.
Expert Selections for Grafton Card
Form analyst Shayne O'Cass has identified several key runners across the Grafton program worth following:
Best Bet: Race 4 No. 8 - THE TORQUE EXPRESS. Unlucky on debut before spelling, then returned with an easy victory first-up. Shows significant potential for improvement.
Next Best: Race 7 No. 10 - WHISKEY MISS. Has returned in excellent form this preparation as anticipated. Displays above-average ability.
Value Selection: Race 3 No. 12 - JOANJETT. Appears ready to perform strongly following an impressive recent trial performance.
Jockey to Follow: Jett Newman maintains an outstanding 27.6% winning strike-rate when riding for trainer Matthew Dunn, making him a key player throughout the meeting.
Race-by-Race Analysis Highlights
The Grafton program features several intriguing contests beyond Lord Vettori's maiden attempt. In race 1, MAHUIKA MAROI appears poised for victory after consecutive second placings over similar distances. The Redwood mare shows excellent stamina credentials and appears ready to break through.
Race 2 sees MISS MIDAS TOUCH returning to a more suitable distance after struggling in heavy conditions over 1700m. Her closing speed pattern should prove more effective in the shorter event.
The featured Benchmark 74 Handicap in race 6 presents PRANCING WITH FIRE as the leading contender following consistent form that includes a victory in the Casino Cup sandwiched between two second placings.
Sunday's Grafton meeting promises exciting racing action with several promising gallopers seeking important victories as the 2025/26 racing season progresses.
