Nicolini Vito has followed stablemate Here To Shock’s lead by winning the Victoria Handicap at Caulfield, delivering back-to-back wins for the Lindsay Park stable in the Group 3 1400m race.

The eight-year-old gelding, trained by Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, secured a dramatic half-head victory, weaving through the field to defeat Miss Aria ($9.50), with Roll On High ($11) taking third.

Ridden by Luke Currie, Nicolini Vito ($11) claimed his ninth career win, bringing his earnings close to the $1 million mark.

Will Hayes described the rising star as “like a fine wine,” adding, “he’s getting better as he gets older.” Hayes also noted that Nicolini Vito’s improved relaxation in races is helping him finish strongly and hinted at the possibility of stepping up in distance.

Currie praised the horse’s smooth ride, despite the race not going as planned. “He was the easiest ride. If the runs came for him, he was going to quicken,” Currie said.

Saturday’s win marked Nicolini Vito’s first victory since last May, and Hayes was full of praise for Currie’s handling, calling the performance “very impressive.”