Following a 50-week break, the Extreme Choice gelding Vermentino took up where he left off, making it a perfect two-for-two with an arrogant display in the Ladbrokes Same Race Multi-Bm64 (1200m) at Sandown-Lakeside on Wednesday.
Making his first start since an impressive career debut at Hamilton last December, the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained 4yo gelding received a positive ride by Ben Melham. Keeping up a strong gallop, Vermentino defeated Starlea (Star Witness) by two and a half lengths, with Pocket Change (Astern) a short-half-head back in third.
It was a second winner on the day for the stable with a horse sporting the Seymour Bloodstock silks.
"He's got a high cruising speed, but he was a little fresh early because he hasn't started for a long time. He then settled sweetly and quickened well," Eustice said.
"Full credit to Lucy and the team at Cranbourne. He has had niggles and taken some time and will take a lot from that, and hopefully, he pulls up OK.
"The owners have been patient, and it's great to get a double on the day in Darren Thomas'silks and managed by Mark Pilkington.
"He is a 4yo with only two starts, so hopefully, he has a bright future."
Bred by Yarraman Park Stud and Bell River Thoroughbreds, Vermentino failed to make his $100,000 reserve at the National Weanling Sale before selling to Ciaron Maher Racing / Astute Bloodstock (FBAA) for $210,000 when reoffered by Bell River Thoroughbreds at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.
He is a half-brother to three winners headed by Denmagic (Denman), a 5-time stakes placegetter including the Group 1 VRC Myer Classic.
Vermentino is the seventh foal of Magic Zefta (Viscount), which Australian Bloodstock/Yarraman Park bought for $110,000 at the 2019 National Broodmare Sale.
A half-sister to Group II winner Go The Knuckle (Elvstroem), Magic Zefta is out of a sister to Magic Albert.
Magic Zefta has a 2yo filly, and a yearling filly by Hellbent missed last spring.
Extreme Choice has 18 catalogued for the Magic Millions, eight at the Inglis Classic and one at Karaka, from a crop of 41 live foals.
