Ferro Nero could have earned himself a shot at a rich country Cup with victory in a midweek race at Caulfield.

The Nigel Blackiston-trained gelding defied his $41 quote as he finished strongly to win Wednesday’s Ladbrokes Handicap (2000m) by a head over Data Point.

Blackiston said the drop in class from his last start, a rise in distance to 2000m and a good ride from Michael Walker suited the gelding he described as quirky.

“He’s always shown he’s got some nice ability but doesn’t always bring his A-game,” Blackiston said.

“Today he was in good order, he got a lovely ride and he just attacked the line beautifully.

Blackiston said he would like to step him up further in distance.

“Obviously you’ve got the Bendigo Cup or the Ballarat Cup which might be nice options, or something over the Flemington carnival,” he said.

The $300,000 Bendigo Cup (2400m) is on October 26.

Blackiston is also upbeat about success on Caulfield Cup day on Saturday with lightly raced Inside Agent lining up in the Listed Gothic Stakes (1400m) for three-year-olds.

Inside Agent won the Listed Poseidon Stakes (1400m) at Flemington at his second career start on October 2 and Blackiston rates him a potential Australian Guineas-type horse next autumn.

“His two runs have been excellent and he’s trained on really nicely,” Blackiston said.

“He’s a very promising horse.”

Inside Agent was knocked down to Blackiston for $180,000 at last year’s Karaka yearling sale in New Zealand.

“I saw him in a paddock beforehand and picked him out with a group of people and targeted him,” Blackiston said.

“He’s just a beautiful colt. He’s got a good pedigree, he’s got the looks and he’s got the ability.”

Inside Agent has barrier one in the field of 14 on Saturday.

Article from JustHorseRacing.com.au