A first-up winner over 1100 metres at Rosehill back on November 12, Veranillo kick-started his Golden slipper campaign with another solid win on Saturday in the Listed Hinchinbrook Plate (1100m) at Randwick.
Ridden by James Doyle for trainer John O'Shea, Veranillo tracked the speedy Eden Roc before taking control 300 metres out.
In workmanlike fashion, the son of Medaglia d'Ooro (USA) cleared out to win by one and a quarter lengths over the runner-up Exceeds (Snitzel) while Eden Roc (Star Witness) battled on gamely to be another half neck away in third. (photo Steve Hart).
"He's an unassuming little fella with plenty of improvement," O'Shea said.
"I think ultimately when he gets a bit of headgear he will be even better.
"He is learning his trade while winning which is really nice.
"He is a good, tough conveyance by our resident sire Medaglia d'Oro (USA) who comes up with a lovely colt and two-year-old for us each year.
"That will probably nearly get him in (to the Golden Slipper) in terms of prizemoney, we can smoke our pipe, give him a run somewhere, and at some stage we will put the blinkers on in the lead up to the slipper and see if that can find us a little more."
Veranillo is the second foal of the useful Lonhro mare Shelters a sister to the Group I BRC The TJ Smith Classic winner Benfica who is now on the Aquis Farm stallion roster.
Shelters has a yearling filly by Medaglia D'Oro (USA) and a colt foal by Helmet. She was bred back to Medaglia d'Oro (USA) last spring.
Now back home in Kentucky after covering his seventh book of mares at Darley's Kevinside property in the Hunter Valley, Medaglia D'Oro (USA) has two lots at the Classic Sale, 12 at the Inglis Premier and 26 heading to the Easter Yearling sale.
