Mr Monaco got a perfect ride from Ethan Brown to kick off Coongy Cup Day at Caulfield, impressing Ciaron Maher Racing’s assistant trainer Jack Turnbull, who held pre-race reservations about the five-year-old’s winning chances.
The progressive stayer sat one-out, one-back throughout as many of his key rivals worked early and out-sprinted Litzdeel late to claim his third win from 12 starts. It was a strong win from a Territories gelding with plenty of racing ahead of him and Turnbull, who suggested the run might be ‘foundational work’ for the future in a pre-race interview, was left with a wry smile.
“He made a mockery of my tipping pre-race, but that’s always the way,” Turnbull said. “Really good effort. It worked out perfectly for him, aided by a lovely ride from Ethan. It’s come a bit early, we probably thought he was another run away, but it’s great to see this guy do it.”
