Vangelic has ended an 18-month drought from the winner’s stall with victory in the Group 2 Golden Pendant at Rosehill, claiming the scalp of New Zealander Entriviere in the process.
The mare had gone winless since breaking her maiden on debut in January last year, but she had been competitive in top company, placing in five black-type races including the Group 1 Surround Stakes in February.
She finally got her moment in the sun on Saturday, flying the gates to lead from an inside draw and kicking strongly to fend off all challengers and score.
“We wanted to take advantage of that inside draw,” co-trainer Adrian Bott said.
“She has that good tactical speed that we saw today. We could be aggressive early and let her get into a nice rhythm.
“From there, it was pretty comfortable and she looked happy. I knew she was going to give a good kick from the 600 metres and be hard to run down from that position.”
Vangelic ($7) scored by a neck from Nimalee ($8.50), who was the first to lay down a challenge and stuck to her task despite being unable to overhaul the winner.
Entriviere ($2.90 fav) got back from a wide gate and warmed up late to grab third, another long neck away.
Her victory gave Tulloch Lodge and jockey Tim Clark an early stakes double after they claimed the Colin Stephen Quality with Entente.
Clark said Saturday’s race set up ideally for the mare.
“Her record probably should read a little bit better than the one win,” Clark said.
“She got a really good set up today – dry track, was able to control and get things her own way and she always improves with a run under her belt as well, so she was always going to come here and be hard to beat.”
Bott confirmed the stable is hoping Vangelic can earn a spot in the inaugural The Invitation (1400m) at Randwick on October 23.
James Mcdonald aboard Entriviere said the mare ran well but felt the hard track.
