Following a stamina-testing victory in the N E Manion Cup at Rosehill, imported runner Mr Monaco has the Sydney Cup lined up as his probable upcoming assignment.

Mr Monaco ($5.50), stuck three-wide midfield throughout, dug deep with a gritty surge to repel the rapidly closing Taramansour ($31) by a long head, as Juja Kibo ($3.70 fav), from the same stable, trailed by just a half-head for third.

Trainer Ciaron Maher announced the five-year-old’s itinerary includes Sydney’s marquee staying test over two miles at Randwick next month, potentially without a lead-up race.

“We knew he’d improve up to the mile-and-a-half, but that was a strong win,” Maher said.

“Onwards to the Sydney Cup and given how well he stayed today, he’d probably nearly just line up straight after this one.”

The gelding raced early in England, arrived in Australia last year, and ended his spring series of three starts with a Caulfield victory.

Maher observed that Mr Monaco has mirrored the standard improvement curve for Euro imports and is still advancing, while expressing contentment with Juja Kibo’s third spot, the horse also Sydney Cup-bound at 3200m via Sydney Cup.

“‘Juja’ looked to have the softer run and have everything it’s way, but ‘Monaco’ had to do it the tougher way and covered a bit of ground,” he said.

“Both horses, they’re going to strip pretty well and get in with a nice weight, and both will run the two miles.”

After piloting Queensland Derby aspirant Barrengarry to success in the Midway Handicap (1500m), Zac Lloyd doubled up early courtesy of Mr Monaco, who overcame a wide starting position in the N E Manion Cup (2400m) and whose performance Lloyd rates highly for Sydney Cup prospects.

“I think that’s going to be right up his alley, considering he probably ran about 3000 (metres) today, so he’s ready to go,” Lloyd said.

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