Mr Monaco delivered a booming staying performance at Flemington today, winning the Group 3 Bart Cummings (2520m) and locking in the coveted ballot‑exempt spot for the Melbourne Cup.
Sent forward early by Jabez Johnstone, the Ciaron Maher Racing stayer lobbed into the perfect position outside the leader. He travelled sweetly throughout, conserving energy while keeping the pressure on. Approaching the 300m, Johnstone pushed the button — and Mr Monaco kicked clear in the straight, surging past Campaldino and putting the race to bed.
Maher said his confidence in Mr Monaco grew after watching Juju Kibo take out The Metropolitan 15 minutes prior to The Bart Cummings.
“The horse had been a little bit out of form, but before that he and Juju Kibo had run together and with Juju winning The Metropolitan, it gave me a bit of confidence,” Maher said.
“He did have good wet form, so we thought we’d send him down the highway and now he’s here in Melbourne and has got a ticket.
“There’s a great ownership group and now they’re in the Cup.
“The next month and a bit, when you get one in the Cup is the most thrilling time for the owners.
“The build-up, it’s nearly better than the race.
