Vilanova is on track to give champion trainer Chris Waller back-to-back Queensland Derby wins after his runaway victory in the Grand Prix Stakes at Doomben on Saturday.
Waller won last year’s Derby with Hawkspur and has strengthened his claims on this year’s renewal after Vilanova won the Grand Prix by 3-1/2 lengths.
Vilanova - Nash Rawiller
Pinstripe Lane was elevated to second after stewards lodged a protest which relegated Rudy to third following interference at the 200m.
Chairman of Stewards Alan Reardon said Rudy moved out and caused interference to Pinstripe Lane who had to shift out.
Part-owner Neville Morgan revealed he was convinced by Waller to buy a half share in Vilanova before last year’s winter carnival.
“Chris had a huge opinion of him after watching some of his performances in New Zealand and talked me into taking a half share,” he said.
Morgan was concerned the pattern of racing, which favoured on-pace runners, would prove a stumbling block for Vilanova in the Grand Prix.
“The plan was always to go back and hope for a bit of luck and Nash rode him perfectly,” Morgan said.
Rawiller said Vilanova is peaking at the right time for the Group One Queensland Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm on June 7.
“He’s always shown that he’s got that sort of performance in him but he’s been a bit hot and cold at times,” he said.
Jockey Mark Du Plessis and trainer Donna Logan were full of praise for the effort of Telepathic ($4) to hold on for fifth after being trapped three wide without cover.
“I tried to put her into the race because of the pattern but she ended up getting posted three deep,” he said.
