Talented Gai Waterhouse-trained runner Vancouver will likely start the 2015 Golden Slipper as clear favourite after continuing his unbeaten career through the Group 2 Todman Stakes (1200m) at Randwick this afternoon.

Causing a false start after pushing through the barriers early, Vancouver was vetted and cleared to run before successfully jumping in attempt two.

Settling in prime position on the heels of early leader Furnaces, Vancouver held clear favourite Headwater three wide without cover until arriving on the final straight; a tactic which paid dividends when Team Hawkes’ runner fell off the pace and the Medaglia D’oro colt powered away from all rivals, hitting the line more than three lengths in the clear of his classy Godolphin rival.

Waterhouse was bullish of Vancouver’s chances of success in the 2015 Todman Stakes and remains confident he is the one to beat in the Golden Slipper.

“He certainly puts any question they had on the colt well and truly behind,”

“He’s the most dominant colt in Australia and it was absolutely scintillating the way he ate up his rivals today.

“I just look forward to him in the Slipper.”

Jockey Tommy Berry delivered a polished performance on Vancouver for success in the 2015 Todman Stakes, and is confident the two-year-old has the talent to complete this two-year-old Triple Crown through autumn.

“That was pretty tidy,” Berry said.

“I was a bit worried when he broke through the barriers, but he’s one of those cool, calm and collected horses. He’s such a professional.

“We cruised along at a nice pace today, I think James (McDonald, Furnaces) kind of had the same plan as I did, we wanted to run the speed out of the favourite, and we did that and he was too strong.

“I can’t wait for another two weeks. He’s one that can go onto the Triple Crown, which I’m excited about.”

Outright second favourite in 2015 Golden Slipper betting markets prior to the Todman Stakes, Vancouver is sure to leapfrog Headwater and jump favourite in the world’s richest race for two-year-old thoroughbreds.

Punters who backed Vancouver to win the 2015 Todman Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au have been paid out on generous $4.60 odds!

2015 Todman Stakes Results

Finish	No.	Horse	Trainer	Jockey	Margin	Bar.	Weight	Starting Price
1	3	VANCOUVER	Gai Waterhouse	Tommy Berry	–	3	55.5kg	$4.60
2	5	FURNACES	John O’Shea	James McDonald	3.3L	2	55.5kg	$4.40
3	2	HEADWATER	Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes	Blake Shinn	5.3L	5	55.5kg	$1.75F
4	1	MISHANI HONCHO	Les Ross	Chris Whiteley	5.6L	1	55.5kg	$41
5	4	VOILIER	Gary Nickson	Tye Angland	7L	4	55.5kg	$16