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 107th stakes-winner for now retired champion sire Encosta de Lago.
