BY BROCK SHERIDAN

Joseph and Charles Loiacano’s Vinnie Van Go led at every pole on his way to his third straight victory in the US$22,837 Le Cinquieme Essai Cup at Fort Erie Tuesday. Ridden by Melanie Pinto for trainer Julie Mathes, the 7-year-old gelding won the six-and-a-half furlong test for 3-year-olds and older that had started two times or more at Fort Erie in 2023.

Sent to the post as the 3-5 favorite in the field of six, Vinnie Van Go had won an $8,000 claiming by three lengths on July 31 and a $9,000 claiming by five-and-a-half lengths on Sept. 4 going six furlongs, both at Fort Erie, in his two previous starts.

The son of J P’s Gusto out of Van Brit, by Van Nistelrooy crossed the wire two lengths in front in 1:17.07 on the fast track. Mayito was second with Alacritous third.

Vinnie Van Go paid $3.30.

Bred in Florida by Brent and Crystal Fernung and Jose Lucio Mendoza, Vinnie Van Go has won 13 of 63 career starts with 15 seconds and nine thirds with earnings of $367,092.