Gallo Nero will face a defining moment in his short career when he lines up in Saturday’s BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm, stretching out to 1400m for the first time. The outcome will guide whether the colt progresses to the Group 1 JJ Atkins (1600m) or heads to the paddock with a view to the spring.

“His next run will determine whether he goes to the J J or whether he goes to the paddock and gets ready for the latter part of the spring,” said trainer Michael Hawkes.

“He’s stepping up to 1400m for the first time, which is something we’ve always kept an eye on. He’s a talented horse and we believe there’s a major race in him.”

After winning over 1100m at Randwick in December, Gallo Nero ran a strong third in the Magic Millions Classic before being spelled and targeted at the Queensland winter carnival.

He resumed with a brave second to Cool Archie in the Spirit Of Boom Classic, where he was forced to race wide without cover but still surged home.

“We thought he was the best horse in the race,” Hawkes said. “He had no favours in the run while the winner got the inside run. That’s racing.”

Concerns were raised about the impact of a tough first-up run on rain-affected ground, but Hawkes said the colt had bounced back well and was ready to go again.

“He’s come through the run in good shape and we’re happy with how he’s trained on,” he added.

Tyler Schiller retains the ride, jumping from gate eight in a field of 18 plus reserves.