Vancouver headlines 2015 San Domenico Stakes nominations

Golden Slipper winner Vancouver headlines the nominations for the 2015 Group 3 $125,000 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday.

Golden Slipper winner Vancouver headlines the nominations for the San Domenico Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.

Golden Slipper winner Vancouver headlines the nominations for the San Domenico Stakes at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.

Vancouver will be having his first run since winning the Group 1 $3.5m Tooheys New Golden Slipper Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill in March and trainer Gai Waterhouse has reported that the brilliant colt is flying on the tracks.

“The Champion colt Vancouver is working “superbly” for Steve O’Halloran. Resumes in the San Domenico Stakes 15th AUG,” Waterhouse tweeted last week.

The Australian Turf Club has been forced to extend nominations for the San Domenico Stakes until 11am on Tuesday August 11, 2105, after Vancouver was one of only ten three year olds entered when noms closed today.

Waterhouse has reported that Vancouver has come back to the stable in great order and she predicts the Medaglia D’Oro colt will maintain his unbeaten record all the way through the Spring.

“Vancouver has comeback bigger and better who I believe will not be beaten this preparation,” Waterhouse said on her blog.

“He will take a power of beating come Caulfield Guineas day.”

“After the Golden Rose probably a decision will be made by Coolmore and the Group, will he go on to the Cox Plate or will he be freshened up for the Coolmore, the sprint race at Flemington.

Vancouver first major Spring Carnival goal will be the Group 1 $1m De Bortoloi Wines Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill on September 12 before he heads to Melbourne for the Group 1 $1m BECK Caulfield Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield on October 10.

Waterhouse has given Vancouver one barrier trail in preparation for his Spring Carnival return and he was able beat the well performed Hi World and stablemate Cosmic Endeavour over 840m at Randwick on July 31.

The Team Hawkes trained Headwater is also an early nomination for the San Domenico Stakes and will also be making his first appearance since running fifth to Vancouver in the Golden Slipper.

The Exceed And Excel colt has barrier trialled twice for a win over 740m at Warwick Farm on July 24 followed by a second over 900m at Rosehill on August 4.

John O’Shea has entered the well performer Haptic who won at his first two starts as a two year old, including a win in the Listed $125,000 DX Solutions Lonhro Plate (1100m) at Randwick on February 14, but after showing pace in the Golden Slipper faded in the straight to end up in twelfth position.

Premiership winning trainer Chris Waller has nominated the improving Japonisme who is a winner at his last three starts and will be stepping up to Group company for the first time in the San Domenico Stakes.

Other nominated three year olds for the San Domenico Stakes are Alart (Patrick Farrell), Beau Tirage (Keith Dryden), King’s Troop (Gerald Ryan), Redzel (Peter and Paul Snowden), Salerno (Paul Perry) and Spieth (Bryce Heys).

About The Author

Mark Mazzaglia

Mark is a passionate journalist with a life-time involvement in the racing industry. He spent many years as an analyst and form expert at the Courier Mail and also has hands-on experience working with some of Queensland’s top trainers.