Consistent sprinter Amorino held-off a fast-finishing Under The Louvre to record another win at stakes level in the 2015 Anniversary Vase at Caulfield this afternoon.

Amorino returned to winning form with a strong effort in the 2015 Anniversary Vase at Caulfield this afternoon. Photo by: Adrienne Bicknell

Amorino went into the Anniversary Vase at double figure odds following his slightly disappointing effort in the Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m) at Caulfield on April 4, but he was given a lovely run in transit by jockey Craig Williams and he hit the front at the 200 metre mark.

Under The Louvre had no luck in transit and Nick Hall was unable to find clear running on the Group 1 placegetter until the 150 metre mark and he savaged the line, but was not able to catch Amorino.

Amorino has thrived since he was transferred to Melbourne to the care of Archie Alexander at the end of last year and the young trainer was thrilled that the Snitzel gelding had now recorded three wins at black type level this preparation – even though he admitted after the race that he was not particularly bullish about the five-year-olds chances.

“We have always crept up in the weights and it is getting tougher and tougher so I thought that he might be a place chance at best, but he has proved us wrong again,” Alexander said.

“It was a great ride from Craig.

“That is three Stakes races now and it is great.”

The Anniversary Vase victory of Amorino sent jockey Craig Williams back to the top of the 2014/2015 Melbourne Jockeys Premiership Table, but the talented hoop believes he faces a tough challenge hold on to his lead.

Williams was quick to pay credit to the work that Alexander has done with Amorino and he also praised the gelding for the way that he managed to hold-off Under The Louvre in the final stages of the race.

“It is a competitive year and it just shows the quality of the riders that we have got,” Williams said.

“Amorino has been very well-handled by Archie and the horse has responded well.

“For me has been a really good horse, we were fortunate to get a lovely run in the race and he does handle the conditions of the track.

“He really delivered well in the last 50 and he had to be strong because the horse that ran second I have a lot of respect for.”

Under The Louvre lost no admirers with his close second place finish and he could head to Adelaide for the Group 1 The Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 16.