Vanbrugh's previous success was in the Group I Spring Champion Stakes (2000m)
at Randwick in October last year and the entire subsequently contested seven
races at Group I or Group II level without success.Vanbrugh eased from $4.60 to $5.50 on track despite a solid effort when 2 ¾ lengths from the winner in the Group I Epsom Handicap (1600m) at his last outing after which trainer Chris Waller decided to step him up to 2000m.
The decision proved a good one with Vanbrugh scoring a half length victory, his fifth win from 17 starts with prizemoney topping $690,000.
Waller said he would consider giving Vanbrugh another crack another Group I race at his next outing but he had plenty of options in which to place the son of Encosta De Lago.
"We'll be sticking to that 2000m distance," Waller said.
"Being a colt and already a Group I winner, we're entitled to aim a little bit higher and continue build that value.
"Who knows? Maybe the Mackinnon falls away. It would need to, but we're
there ready to run in whatever race eventuates."Vanbrugh was bought by bloodstock agent Mick Flanagan and runs for Northern Hemisphere based owners Merriebelle Stable and New Zealand based Windsor Park Stud, who bought into the stallion last season.
He was foaled and raised at Widden Stud for his breeder Mr Leung and is the second winner for Soho Secret, a metropolitan winning half-sister by Lucky Owners to Group winners Sportsman, Prisoner of Love, Hoystar and King of Prussia.
Soho Secret has a yearling colt by So You Think and was covered last spring by Sebring.
