Veteran sprinter Nicolini Vito stormed down the middle of the Caulfield straight to snatch victory in Saturday’s Group 3 Victoria Handicap (1400m), delivering a thrilling late finish under a perfectly timed Luke Currie ride.
Trained by the Hayes team of Ben, Will and JD, the seven-year-old was spotting the leaders a big margin on the turn but weaved his way through the field before launching down the outside to overhaul Miss Aria in the final stride at $11 odds with the top online bookmakers.
Roll On High also charged late into third, with just half a length separating the top trio at the line.
Group 3 Victoria Handicap – Nicolini Vito
“It was a terrific ride by Luke,” Will Hayes said post-race.
“He kept him in rhythm, didn’t panic, and when the gap came, Nicolini really savaged the line.”
Currie admitted the win wasn’t part of the original plan, with the gelding settling further back than expected.
“Back on the fence wasn’t ideal, but he relaxed beautifully, and when the runs came, he had that turn of foot to finish over the top,” he said.
Nicolini Vito ($11) stopped the clock at 1:22.18 for the 1400m on a Good 3 track, registering his ninth career win and pushing his prizemoney earnings beyond $925,000.
The son of Nicconi is clearly racing as well as ever, and his powerful finish suggests he could stretch out further this campaign.
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