Vitello is set for a city campaign after scoring a gutsy first-up victory at Hawkesbury on Thursday.

The Gai Waterhouse trained front-runner had only raced once since an unplaced effort in the G2 WA Guineas last November.  He earned a trip west after a front-running win at Randwick on Melbourne Cup day.

“He’s always shown ability,” stable foreman Ranjeet Singh said at Hawkesbury.  “He got sick over in Perth so we gave him time to come good.  He was also gelded and looks more focused now.

“He had to carry 60.5kg and had to do it at both ends today.  There was plenty of merit in the win and he can go right on with it this season.”

Vitello (4g Snitzel – Samal by Timber Country) is raced by Bangaloe Stud’s Julia Ritchie, Kate Waterhouse and WA based Gold Front Thoroughbreds owners Alan and Sue Olive.  He is from a half-sister to Gai’s Group 1 winning filly Tempest Morn and cost $220,000 at the 2012 Gold Coast Magic Millions.

Winning jockey Tim Clark was keen to stay aboard Vitello after working him at Randwick last Thursday.  “He was really good and strong over 1200 metres,” Clark explained.  “It was the best of the morning.”