Already a listed placegetter in New Zealand, the Andrew Forsman trained three-year-old Mr Maestro proved a class above his local rivals, ploughing through the heavy conditions to win by 1-¾ lengths.
Jockey Damian Lane, who combined with Forsman and former co-trainer Murray Baker to win the 2017 ATC Derby aboard Jon Snow, settled the son of Savabeel midfield with cover before powering over market fancies Kapakiri and Major Beel.
Forsman, who was on track at Flemington, suggested the VRC Derby was the obvious goal, but no plans had been decided yet.
“Obviously we brought him here with staying races in mind… we’ve got a few options, we haven’t really pencilled anything in yet, we could even consider dropping back to the mile and having a go at the Caulfield Guineas,” Forsman said.
Despite having raced in New Zealand’s Autumn, Mr Maestro only encountered a heavy track for the first time at his last start when fourth at Moonee Valley and Forsman was full of praise for his colt’s resolve.
“I was just a little bit nervous with the heavy track conditions today. He hasn’t raced for a month, so going to 1800 metres I thought it was a tough effort,” Forsman said.
Damian Lane was more certain of the path Mr Maestro should take, hinting that the stoutly bred colt would be unsuited dropping back to a mile in the Guineas.
“Probably not to be honest. He’s just that tier below, but while he’s up and going I certainly wouldn’t talk them out of it if they wanted to have a go, but he’s probably that tier below,” Lane said.