Following a 50-week break, Extreme Choice gelding Vermentino took up where he left off, making it a perfect two-for-two with an arrogant display in the Ladbrokes Same Race Multi-Bm64 (1200m) at Sandown-Lakeside on Wednesday.

Making his first start since an impressive career debut at Hamilton last December, the Ciaron Maher & David Eustace-trained 4yo gelding received a positive ride by Ben Melham. Keeping up a strong gallop, Vermentino scored by two and a half lengths.

It was a second winner on the day for the stable with a horse sporting the Seymour Bloodstock silks.

“He’s got a high cruising speed, but he was a little fresh early because he hasn’t started for a long time. He then settled sweetly and quickened well,” Eustace said.

“Full credit to Lucy and the team at Cranbourne. He has had niggles and taken some time and will take a lot from that, and hopefully, he pulls up OK.

“The owners have been patient, and it’s great to get a double on the day in Darren Thomas’ silks and managed by Mark Pilkington.”

“He is a 4yo with only two starts, so hopefully, he has a bright future.”

Bred by Yarraman Park Stud and Bell River Thoroughbreds, Vermentino failed to make his $100,000 reserve at the National Weanling Sale before selling to Ciaron Maher Racing / Astute Bloodstock (FBAA) for $210,000 when reoffered by Bell River Thoroughbreds at the 2020 Inglis Classic Yearling Sale.

He is a half-brother to Group I placed Denmagic and is the fourth winner from Magic Zefta, a half-sister to Group II winner Go the Knuckle.

Extreme Choice has 18 catalogued for the Magic Millions, 8 at the Inglis Classic and 1 at Karaka, from a crop of 41 live foals.