Damien Oliver has a healthy opinion of Godolphin colt Vilana who has broken through for his maiden victory at Sandown.
Headed by main rival in betting Frontman in the straight, Vilana fought back to claim the Ladbrokes Punter Assist Plate (1200m) on Wednesday in a tight photo.
Pushed forward early by Oliver, Vilana, the $3.60 favourite, registered victory by a nose from Frontman ($3.70) with Mars Mission ($5.50) a further 4-¼ lengths away third.
Vilana, a half-brother to stakes-winning mare Savatiano, had the widest barrier and while normally not helpful Oliver reasoned that being the last horse loaded would be a benefit after the James Cummings-trained colt had run second on debut at Bendigo earlier in the month.
“I looked at his replay and he began well enough, but they took a trail on him,” Oliver said.
“Being last in the gates they can leave a bit quicker sometimes and I thought that was an option today.
“James’ preference was to ride him a little bit quiet, but he did give me an open book if he did begin well and left it up to me.
“When he did jump well, a couple inside us were a bit slow away, so I was able to get across nicely.”
While it may have been a maiden race, the form, especially from of first two across the line, should prove worthy.
Frontman was down to resume at The Valley last Saturday in the Listed McKenzie Stakes, but the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable elected for Wednesday’s maiden class.
But Oliver said there’s improvement to come from Vilana.
“He’s got a nice presence when you’re on him,” Oliver said.
“He’s a strong horse, but still a little bit new.
“That other horse headed him, but when I got stuck into him, he responded well.”
