Coongy Cup Winner Sold by Widden

The Group III MRC Coongy Cup at Caulfield on Saturday was won by Encosta de Lago entire Vanbrugh, a $100,000 Inglis Easter purchase from the draft of Widden Stud.

Vanbrugh’s previous success was in the Group I Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick in October last year and the entire subsequently contested seven races at Group I or Group II level proving consistent without winning.

Vanbrugh eased from $4.60 to $5.50 on track despite a solid effort when 2 ¾ lengths from the winner in the Group I Epsom Handicap (1600m) at his last outing after which trainer Chris Waller decided to step him up to 2000m.

The decision proved a good one with Vanbrugh scoring a half length victory, his fifth win from 17 starts with prizemoney topping $690,000.

Waller said he would consider giving Vanbrugh another crack another Group I race at his next outing but he had plenty of options for him.

“We’ll be sticking to that 2000m distance,” Waller said.

“Being a colt and already a Group I winner, we’re entitled to aim a little bit higher and continue build that value.

“Who knows? Maybe the Mackinnon falls away. It would need to, but we’re there ready to run in whatever race eventuates.”

Vanbrugh was bought by bloodstock agent Mick Flanagan and runs for Northern Hemisphere based owners Merriebelle Stable and New Zealand based Windsor Park Stud, who bought into the stallion last season.

He was foaled and raised at Widden Stud for his breeder Mr Leung and is the second winner for Soho Secret, a metropolitan winning half-sister by Lucky Owners to Group winners Sportsman, Prisoner of Love, Hoystar and King of Prussia.

Soho Secret was covered last spring by Sebring.