Emerging as a key stayer this autumn, Mr Monaco retains favouritism to hand Ciaron Maher a fourth Sydney Cup victory despite the challenging wide draw.
A stablemate might yet steal the show, though, with Piggyback and Juja Kibo both boasting compelling cases for the stamina-sapping two-miler.
Since importing from Europe for his current Australian spell, Mr Monaco has exhibited determination and lasting power through victories in his last two efforts, standing out in the Manion Cup as he pressed forward wide and ultimately proved too strong.
Jo Gerard-Dubord, foreman for Ciaron Maher in Sydney, views that run positively for the gelding covering 3200m effectively on Saturday, inspired also by Circle Of Fire prevailing in the 2024 Sydney Cup from a parallel barrier.
“When Circle Of Fire won it, he had a similar trip to what Mr Monaco did at Rosehill last start. He was three-wide and working a lot of the way,” Gerard-Dubord said.
“And not dissimilar to Mr Monaco, Circle Of Fire was a genuine stayer. When you get to these races, if you can stay it’s a big advantage because half the field won’t be able to stay the trip.”
Without 3200m form, Gerard-Dubord remains confident in Mr Monaco’s staying prowess after his dominant close last start amid difficulties.
“Last start, even though it was 2400 metres, he was wide, and he probably ran 2600. If anything, he was the strongest of them all through the line so that won’t be an issue,” he said.
Original Story
https://www.sportsnews.com.au/horse-racing/ciaron-maher-eyes-fourth-sydney-cup-in-2026-with-mr-monaco-trio/608571
