Victoria Derby Hopeful for Encosta

The powerful Chris Waller stable has a plethora of classy three year-olds emerging and among them is exciting staying prospect Vanbrugh, a $100,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the draft of Widden Stud.

A winner at Randwick on debut back in February, Vanbrugh was held in high regard and considered a Golden Rose prospect at the start of this preparation, but has taken time to come to hand.

A last start winner at Warwick Farm over a mile, the Encosta de Lago colt blossomed in the Group III ATC Gloaming Stakes when stepped up to 1800 metres.

He travelled kindly for Hugh Bowman and showed a swift turn of foot to forge clear and win by nearly two lengths in a thoroughly dominant win.

"I don't like getting carried away, but he felt like a Victoria Derby horse to me," said Hugh Bowman.

The Group I ATC Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick on October 10 is the immediate goal for Vanbrugh (pictured Steve Hart) , who has won three of eight starts earning over $220,000 in prizemoney for his Northern Hemisphere based owners Merriebelle Stable.

"We go to the Spring Champion Stakes next and there's nothing better than going into a Group I full of form," said Waller.

Vanbrugh 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 filly by So You Think and has foaled again to the 10-time Group I winner this spring.

Vanbrugh is the 107^th stakes-winner for now retired champion sire Encosta de Lago.