He may be 10 years of age but Grassini showed last Sunday he is racing as well as ever, completing back-to-back wins in the $22,000 Birregurra Cup (3350m) at Colac.
The race was 500 metres longer than last year, but the Universal Prince gelding relished the extra ground, saluting by three lengths under Dean Yendall to the cheers of favourite backers.
Bendigo trainer Brett Charry used the same formula as he had last year in the lead-up to the marathon event, trialling him over the hurdles at Warrnambool two days earlier. 
Grassini’s jumping career has consisted of six starts for two wins and as many placings.
Just as impressive is his record over the staying distances, with five wins and seven minor placings in races at 2500 metres and up.
Sunday’s victory came on the back of a third placing at Werribee and a fifth at Bendigo. 
Sunday’s win was a credit to Charry, who only has two horses in work.
Stanley sizzles
Sutton Grange trainer Brent Stanley is on a roll, with winners at Flemington last Saturday and Seymour on Tuesday.
The wins made it six wins from 10 starts since Australia Day for Stanley.
His Flemington winner was Violate, first up from a spell in the Group 3 Shaftesbury Avenue.
Violate ($9) showed plenty of grit and determination under Michael Walker, having been three wide with no cover for much of the journey. 
The $97,500 first prize was substantial consolation after the gelding missed out on gaining a run in Saturday week’s $5 million  All-Star Mile.
Cashed-up supporters of the stable weren’t afraid to double down when Invincible Lotus debuted at Seymour on Tuesday. 
As much as $11 was bet pre-post about the $450,000 Inglis Premier purchase following jumpout wins at Bendigo and Benalla.
By the time gates opened, the two-year-old by I Am Invincible had shortened into $2.15 favouritism.
She never looked in doubt, leading from start to finish over 1100 metres to win by 1½ lengths. 
Stanley believes the filly is up to stakes level and Tuesday’s win seemed to vindicate that opinion.
Won’t Leave does win
Young Bendigo trainer Tayne Foster scored a well earned win at Swan Hill with She Won’t Leave last Friday.
Sent out a $5 chance following Echuca and Benalla placings, She Won’t Leave sat off a hot speed set by noted pacemaker Free Willy to run on strongly for a one-length win under Jessica Payne.
The five-year-old daughter of Myboycharlie, formerly trained in New South Wales by Scott Spackman, has weighed in at eight of her 11 outings for her new stable.