
Vermentino well-placed to extend unbeaten streak at The Valley
Written by James Lamb for Racenet.
Vermentino will be chasing his fourth win from as many starts when he tackles the Raymond Martin Handicap over 1200m at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Entered for two races over the weekend – and a clear favourite for both – the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace-prepared galloper is likely to be scratched from Sunday's straight-course assignment at Flemington.
"We're leaning to running him at The Valley – it looks a suitable race for him," Maher said.
Vermentino has made a big impression in his short career to date, winning his three outings by a combined margin of 6.5 lengths.
The son of Extreme Choice steps up from Benchmark 70 grade to a Benchmark 84 but drops 4.5kg from his last-start victory at Sandown Lakeside.
Ethan Brown has been entrusted with riding duties for the first time, taking over from Ben Melham.
Vermentino wins at Sandown Lakeside on December 14 (Image Pat Scala/Racing Photos).
Bookmakers are taking no chances with the promising gelding, with Vermentino hardly budging from his $1.70 opening quote.
"He's come on nicely since his last win. He's worked well and I can't see any reason why he can't put another one on the board," a confident Maher said.
"He played up a bit before the start last time but he's pretty straightforward in his races. He makes his own luck and he's doing things pretty well at the moment."
The Peter Moody-trained mare Dance To Dubai holds second-favouritism behind Vermentino at $4.80 with TAB, with Sandy Prince the only other runner at single-figure odds.
Maher and Eustace hold a strong Valley hand, with Matron Bullwinkel, Kettle Hill and Quraysha likely to jump favourites in races four, six and nine respectively.
The stable also has the two early favourites for Sunday's Flemington features, with Pal D'oro a $3.60 chance for the Chester Manifold Stakes and Persan ($3.20) the clear market leader for the Bagot Handicap.
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