The welcoming mat is out and brushed awaiting the return of More Than Ready when he arrives back at Vinery for another stud season in the coming weeks.

And what a return! Another Group 1 winner, taking the tally to 13, via courtesy of Verrazano’s stunning victory in the $1million Haskell Invitational at Monmouth Park, on the sea board of New Jersey.

In a field of seven runners he had the situation under control from the outset; he never looked like being challenged at any stage.

When the judge called a halt, the official margin was nine and a half lengths, some observers said had the breaks been released the margin would have been much greater.

Trainer, Todd Pletcher, has always believed in Verrazano, having prepared More Than Ready to six Black Type wins up to Group 1 level.

“I couldn’t be more thrilled by what he did in the Heskell, it was the most impressive performance by any three year old this year” said Pletcher.

Pletcher is not looking any further than the Group 1 Travers Stakes at Saratoga in upstate New York, at the end of the month.

While most interest centred on Verrazano at present, Watabout’s success at Randwick, and Sugar Rush at Newcastle, each scored well, both are daughters of More Than Ready, a sire that has performed in both hemispheres.