Vilana claims Silver Eagle in emphatic fashion
Vilana won the Silver Eagle by two lengths with plenty left in the tank, and his assistant trainer Darren Beadman believes he’s also got plenty more to give over what could be an exciting career.
Indeed, the four-year-old colt was emphatic in his victory at Randwick on Saturday, easily accounting for the $4.20 favourite Mr Mozart, who finished runner-up.
2022 Silver Eagle Replay
“That was a very, very tidy performance from a horse that has still got a lot in the reserve tank,” James Cummings’ second-in-charge Beadman said.
“Obviously the races being called off last week just gave us an extra gallop or two to put into his legs and he had it won a long way out from home.
“Very classy colt, he’s Savitiano’s half little brother, so the mare’s definitely blue-blood. He just delivered in spades today.”
Winning jockey Nash Rawiller also feels Vilana’s best is yet to come, and thinks more Group glory could be headed his way this spring.
“He did a little bit to get to his position. To his credit he is just so push-button, he switched off straight away,” he said.
“He got into a beautiful rhythm down the side. Obviously his grand final (Golden Eagle) is in a couple of weeks’ time.
“Darren said he’s not at peak fitness just yet, just wait on him a little bit and be a bit patient.
“And he showed an enormous turn of foot when I produced him.
“A couple of weeks’ time it’s going to be right up his alley. Unless James (Cummings) decides not to (go to the Golden Eagle), but at this stage he’s done everything right.”