It's
not easy to win first up from a spell of nearly a year over 1400 metres, but
this three year-old Sebring colt was able to do it and do it easily at Bendigo
on Wednesday.
The Tony McEvoy trained Vinland was up and going early last spring finishing
fifth in the Listed MRC Merson Cooper Stakes on debut before chasing She Will Reign
home to finish sixth in the Inglis Nursery in December.
Vinland returned in the 1400 metre maiden and stalked the leader before
powering clear to win under his own steam in an impressive display.
He might have missed the main spring races, but the autumn carnivals will no
doubt be in the sights of connections following this dominant return.
A $340,000 Inglis Premier purchase for McEvoy Mitchell Racing from the Blue Gum
Farm draft, Vinland runs for a syndicate that includes some of Sebring's
original owners.
He is the second winner for Group II placed Viking Turf Belle, a half-sister to
the dams of Group II winner Mella Maria and stakes-winner Valliano.