Written by Paul Vettise
The stars aligned for Robbie Griffiths to land the well-related Vinlago (I Am Invincible) and he’s now hoping it’s time for the colt to shine at Flemington.
The Cranbourne trainer bought the youngster with Peter Ford Thoroughbreds at the Magic Millions Adelaide Sale, where he was offered by the Phoenix Broodmare Farm, for $50,000.
Vinlago has performed well at his local trials and will make his debut in the Listed Darley Maribyrnong Trial S. on Saturday with Luke Currie booked for the ride.
“He was cheap and I think I was just in the right place at the right time. He’s only a little fellow and he had a few lumps and bumps and cuts on his legs when I bought him, I think that scared everyone away,” Griffith said.
“He pings along pretty well and I’m most impressed with him. He’s been very sharp and he’s got the I Am Invincible speed so I’m really looking forward to Saturday.
“I’m hoping to be standing there getting interviewed saying I got myself a bargain in Adelaide.”
“I’m hoping to be standing there getting interviewed saying I got myself a bargain in Adelaide.” – Robbie Griffiths
Bred by Yarraman Park Stud, Vinlago is the first foal of the Encosta De Lago mare Lucky Lago, who won four races and was a multiple placegetter at Group 2 and 3 levels.
The dam is a half-sister to the G1 VRC Oaks and G3 Ethereal S. winner Pinot (Pierro) and they are out of Dizelle (Zabeel {NZ}), successful in the G1 Australian Oaks and the G2 Woodstock Mile Oaks.
Dizelle is a sister to the three-time Group 1 winner and former Hong Kong Horse of the Year Vengeance Of Rain (NZ) and the family of the G2 Tulloch S. winner Old North (Lonhro).
Vinlago as a yearling
Due to current restrictions, Vinlago has been kept at home in his lead-up to Flemington.
“Because of COVID-19 we haven’t be able to leave home so his trials have been local at the Cranbourne training complex,” Griffith said.
“He won a recent trial and has given us the impression he will go really well. The big negative for us is that we haven’t been able to take him away from his home ground.”
“He won a recent trial and has given us the impression he will go really well.” – Robbie Griffiths
Griffith singled out the Matthew Ellerton and Simon Zahra-trained General Beau (Brazen Beau) as the colt to beat.
“He is trained there and has won there and from barrier six looks the winner again, he has a massive home track advantage,” Griffiths said.
“From barrier nine I’m hoping we can jump and go alongside him and that would give us our best chance.”
Griffiths is also happy with Fidelia (Not A Single Doubt), who runs in the G2 Lexus Rose Of Kingston S., but the weather may have the final say on her chances.
“Her form reads poorly, but she has had genuine excuses. She stumbled out of the barrier and pulled up lame in the G2 Let’s Elope S., but she has been galloping beautifully heading into this,” he said.
“She hates the wet and unfortunately there is an inch of rain forecast, which is a shame, so that could literally wash away her chances. If she gets the right track conditions on the day she could easily turn her form around.”
