The Trentham heroics of Saracino have almost certainly booked the gallant colt another trip to Australia.
Owner Lib Petagna's racing manager Bruce Perry said in the lead-up to yesterday's group two Grant Plumbing Wellington Guineas that the three-year-old only had to perform up to expectations to book his flight.
Saracinocertainly did that with the bravest of front-running performances to win for the third time in his career and set up a crack at next month's group two Arrowfield 3YO Sprint at Randwick.
The son of Per Incanto, who was group one placed in the NRM Sprint three runs back, was headed in the straight by Ferrando before he rallied strongly.
"It was looking a bit hairy for a little while, but he dug deep and fought hard," said Andrew Forsman, who trains Saracino with Murray Baker.
He was ridden by Lisa Allpress, who thought she may have gone out too hard in front.
"He is the sort of horse though that you don't want to interfere with too much and let him do his own thing," she said.
Saracino is now a three-time winner at Group Two level, having earlier claimed the Foxbridge Plate and the Danehill Stakes. He is also Group One placed in the Manawatu Sires' Produce Stakes and the NRM Sprint.
Top Prospect hit the line strongly for second ahead of Cut Me Loose and Ferrando wilted to fourth.
Meanwhile Gary Vile's emerging staying star Rock On was successful in the Listed New Zealand St Leger.
Rock On settled back on the fence before rider Jonathan Riddell angled the son of Road To Rock off the rail, but had to switch back inside for a clear run in the straight and they finished strongly to down All In Vogue.
And hot sprinter Signify dashed home to add the Listed Phill Cataldo Bloodstock Lightning Handicap title to the group one Telegraph crown he claimed on the track in January.
