A spirited finish by Pencarrow Stud graduate Vuelta (High Chaparral x Affirmed Lane) saw the two-year-old breakthrough for his first career win at his second start, winning the A$80,000 Eugene Gorman Handicap (1400m) at Flemington on Saturday.

The David Hayes trained colt was runner-up on debut at Werribee and took improvement out of that run to overcome a chequered passage in claiming victory on Saturday.

After enjoying an economical run in third position on the rail behind the leader, the grey son of High Chaparral could not find a gap early in the straight for kiwi rider Michael Walker.

At the 200m Walker was finally able to push his mount into a gap and Vuelta finished strongly, hitting the front over the concluding stages to win by a neck, beating another grey Roundabout (I Am Invincible) into second.

Vuelta has shown the ability for the stable to suggest he could be targeted at the Group 1 VRC Derby in the spring.

"He's got a great constitution and is very sound,” said stable representative Tom Dabernig.

"We'll look at the Gibson Carmichael Stakes in July, but long term the Victoria Derby.”

Hayes’s Lindsay Park Racing purchased Vuelta for $100,000 at the 2013 Karaka Premier Sale from Pencarrow Stud.

Sir Peter Vela retained a share in the colt that is also raced by Jonathan Munz’s Pinecliff Racing along with Mr F Carratelli, Mr C D Weaver & Mr P J Celotti.

Bred by Sir Peter & Philip Vela, Vuelta is out of imported American mare Affirmed Lane (Affirmed), a full-sister to American Group 3 winner and Group 1 runner-up Lady Affirmed (Affirmed). Vuelta is a half-sister to multiple Group 1 placegetter J’Adane (Danehill).

Affirmed Lane was covered again last season by High Chaparral with the resulting foal, due in the upcoming breeding season, to be a full-sibling to Vuelta.