The Andrew Forsman-trained Mr Maestro (NZ) (Savabeel) turned in another strong performance when second to the impressive Pericles (Street Boss) in the Gr.2 Autumn Classic (1800m) at Sandown on Saturday.
After two runs, the son of Savabeel now looks ready to step up to 2000m.
Winner of the Listed Super Impose Stakes (1800m) and Gr.3 Caulfield Classic (2000m) in the spring, Mr Maestro finished fourth in the Gr.1 VRC Derby (2500m) won by Manzoice (Almanzor), but probably failed to see out the staying trip.
With regular rider Damian Lane in Saudi Arabia this weekend, Mr Maestro was ridden for the first time on Saturday by Blake Shinn.
“Blake was happy with him,” Forsman said. “He got a little bit further back than what would have been ideal.
“Pericles just jumped and put himself in a gun position and probably had a bit better turn of foot than us at the end of the day.
“He had his chance. He sprinted through them nicely and hit the line well I thought.
“The logical race for him to run in is probably the Rosehill Guineas (Gr.1, 2000m) now. We will just see how he comes through it.
“There is the Group Two at Moonee Valley (Alister Clark Stakes, 2040m) which is a nice back-up option if we don’t go up to Sydney.
“There are good options for him and he is racing really well.”
