Sydney Cup looms for impressive Mr Monaco

Next port of call for import Mr Monaco is set to be the Sydney Cup after his stamina-showing triumph in the N E Manion Cup at Rosehill.

Caught three-deep no cover in mid-division, Mr Monaco ($5.50) unleashed a powerful late charge to edge out surging Taramansour ($31) by a long head, with stablemate Juja Kibo ($3.70 fav) only a half-head adrift in third position.

Ciaron Maher, the trainer, verified that the five-year-old is targeting Randwick's two-mile highlight next month and may bypass another start beforehand.

"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."

Mr Monaco began his career in England before arriving Down Under last year, wrapping up his spring with three outings by winning at Caulfield.

According to Maher, the gelding has progressed steadily like many European arrivals and continues to thrive, plus he approved of Juja Kibo's third placing, with the horse also aimed at the Sydney Cup over 3200m.

"'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."

Zac Lloyd notched an early double on Mr Monaco after steering Queensland Derby hopeful Barrengarry to win the Midway Handicap (1500m), and despite coping with a wide gate in the 2400m N E Manion Cup, Lloyd feels the gelding's display signals strong Sydney Cup potential.

"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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