Mr Monaco, the import, put on a show of staying power to win the N E Manion Cup at Rosehill, positioning the Sydney Cup as his next likely engagement.

From a three-deep midfield spot with no respite, the $5.50 chance Mr Monaco rallied boldly late to withstand the fast-closing $31 shot Taramansour by a long head, his yardmate Juja Kibo ($3.70 favourite) just a half-head back in third.

Five-year-old’s trainer Ciaron Maher stated he’s charting a course to Randwick’s two-miler feature event next month, possibly direct without further prep.

“We knew he’d improve up to the mile-and-a-half, but that was a strong win,” Maher said.

“Onwards to the Sydney Cup and given how well he stayed today, he’d probably nearly just line up straight after this one.”

With initial races in England, Mr Monaco relocated to Australia last year and signed off his three-run spring with a win at Caulfield.

The trainer highlighted the gelding’s consistent enhancement akin to European counterparts and ongoing gains, alongside approval for Juja Kibo’s third, bound for the 3200m Sydney Cup.

“‘Juja’ looked to have the softer run and have everything it’s way, but ‘Monaco’ had to do it the tougher way and covered a bit of ground,” he said.

“Both horses, they’re going to strip pretty well and get in with a nice weight, and both will run the two miles.”

Mr Monaco delivered Zac Lloyd a swift double post his Midway Handicap (1500m) conquest on Barrengarry, en route to the Queensland Derby, and from an outside gate in the 2400m N E Manion Cup, Lloyd views the run as ideal prep for the Sydney Cup.

“I think that’s going to be right up his alley, considering he probably ran about 3000 (metres) today, so he’s ready to go,” Lloyd said.

Visit leading online bookmakers to place bets on the Sydney Cup.