Faith in Dryden-trained mare set to pay off at Wagga

Vinolass, a six-year-old mare trained by Canberra-based trainer Keith Dryden, is poised to deliver a significant return on investment as she prepares to compete in the highest graded country race of her career at Wagga on Monday. The horse, a daughter of Supido, has remained relatively underexposed throughout her racing career, having only competed four times in the past 13 months following a prolonged period of rest due to multiple physical setbacks. This strategic layoff allowed her to recover and build strength ahead of what promises to be a challenging and highly competitive race.

The journey of Vinolass began with promising performances that suggested she had the potential to compete at a higher level. Initially, she showed promise in Saturday Class 3 races, where she was able to hold her own against more experienced competitors. However, these early successes were followed by a necessary spell of rest, which extended well into 2026. During this time, the connections of Vinolass opted to prioritize her health and recovery over immediate competition, recognizing that a solid foundation would be essential for future success.

Her return to action was marked by a notable performance in the feature Flatknacker over 900 meters during the Albury carnival, where she demonstrated her ability to close strongly in races. Despite this encouraging showing, she faced challenges in subsequent races, including a failure in the BM 72 Mares' company at the provincials. Nevertheless, she rebounded with a strong finish in the BM 74 grade at Wagga, further reinforcing the belief that she was capable of competing at a higher level.

Five weeks prior, Vinolass delivered one of her most compelling performances yet, finishing strongly on a very heavy track in a BM 66 Handicap over 1000 meters. This result was instrumental in convincing her trainers that she was now ready to take on the BM 82 Handicap, a significantly tougher test that requires endurance and tactical precision over five furlongs. The decision to enter this race reflects both confidence in Vinolass's current form and a calculated risk based on her recent improvements.

Trainer Keith Dryden, known for his long-standing presence in the Canberra racing community, has built a reputation for developing horses with patience and care. His training philosophy aligns with the approach taken with Vinolass, emphasizing gradual progression and thorough preparation. While Dryden has not secured a victory at the Wagga circuit in recent years, the opportunity presented by this race offers a chance to change that trend and showcase the effectiveness of his methods.

Vinolass’s entry into the BM 82 Handicap is part of a broader strategy involving other high-potential horses from the Dryden and Libby Snowden stables. Among them is Rockabye Roxy, a young filly with considerable talent, who is set to compete in a Maiden Handicap over 1400 meters. This group represents a strong contingent from the Canberra region, aiming to make their mark in the upcoming races at the Riverina.

As the day of the race approaches, anticipation is building among fans and punters alike. Early betting odds have placed Vinolass at around $5.50, trailing behind favorites such as the returning Albury mare One Hard Lady at $2 and the Goulburn mare Sparklenglitter at $4.20. Regardless of the final outcome, Vinolass's journey serves as a testament to the value of patience, perseverance, and the careful planning that goes into preparing a horse for its most important challenge yet.