Not entered for the Melbourne Cup, progressive young Frankel stayer Francesco Guardi (IRE) showed he may be a force to be reckoned with next year when he scored a dominant win in the $1million Group II MVRC Moonee Valley Gold Cup (2600m) Moonee Valley on Saturday.
Trained by Chris Waller and ridden by James McDonald, he has been a work in progress but a fast finishing second at his last start in the Group III VRC Bart Cummings showed Franceso Guardi was ready to step it up again.
Francesco Guardi led for home and kept going to win by nearly four lengths with last year’s winner Lunar Flare working home well for second in a great Melbourne Cup trial.
“Timely win. The horse has been working his way into form. He's been in Australia for about 18 months and just gradually getting there,” said Chris Waller.
"The writing was on the wall with a good run at Flemington last start and backs it up in a massive prizemoney race today.”
Waller explained his decision to leave the Melbourne Cup to next year for Francesco Guardi.
"We thought he was a year away, but I think in 12 months time it might be a different story.” He said.
"Winning races like today is one thing, the Melbourne Cup is a whole new level. We'll regroup after today and have a good throw at the stumps next year."
Bred by Ballylinch Stud, who remain in his ownership, Francesco Guardi made 200,000 guineas at the Tattersalls October Yearling Sale Book 1 when bought by Amanda Skiffington.
He has the overall record of five wins and seven placings from 19 starts with prizemoney now topping $1million.
Francesco Guardi is the 104th stakes-winner for champion sire Frankel and is from stakes-placed Trophee, a half-sister to two time Arc winner and European Horse of the Year Treve.
