Racing: Vincent set for sprint

Vincent at Trentham last year. The three-year-old will head south if he runs well at Wanganui today. Photo/Race Images

A strong showing from Vincent at Wanganui today will book the three-year-old's passage south.

The son of Burgundy is on trial for black type assignments when he steps out in the Manely Horse Handicap (1200m).

"If he goes well, we'll be looking at backing him up on Saturday week in the Gore Guineas," trainer Robert Patterson said.

"The plan then is for him to stay down there for the Dunedin and Southland Guineas — it all depends what happens tomorrow.

"He doesn't necessarily have to win, but we want to see him get home well.

"It's not easy for a three-year-old in a Rating 65. If they can win again straight out of a maiden you know you've got a pretty good horse."

Vincent was successful last time on his home track at New Plymouth off the back of a trial success at Foxton. "That was his first start for me the other day, he's always showed he had a lot of ability and I've just got him to relax," Patterson said.

Vincent placed in four of his seven starts when prepared by Taranaki-owner trainer Warren Bolton.

"After he ran fourth to Matchmaker at Otaki I said to Warren do you want to sell him?" Patterson said.

Vincent is now raced by Philip Drought, whose purchase looked an inspired one when Matchmaker came out at his next start and won the Gr.3 Wellington Stakes (1600m) before his big money move to Hong Kong.

- NZ Racing Desk