Malaguerra will step up to stakes company on the strength of his front-running victory in the $100,000 Lavazza Short Black (1400m) at Flemington on Tuesday.

Trainer Lee Freedman said the son of Eliza Park International resident Magnus is still developing and will be set for the G3 Sandown Stakes (1500m) on November 14.  “This is his first prep since being gelded and he’s won three from four.  There’s more improvement in him and, long-term, we might even have a look at the Brisbane winter carnival.”

Malaguerra (4g Magnus – Tennessee Morn by Bletchingly) cleared out in the straight and was always in control winning by two lengths from Good Project and Tashbeeh.  “He had plenty in hand at the finish,” jockey Ben Melham revealed.  “I was happy to dictate terms and I knew he would give a good kick.”

Melbourne agent Leonard Russo bought the winner for $32,000 at the 2013 Inglis Melbourne VOBIS Gold yearling sale from Pakenham based Ballarato Lodge.

The Lavazza Short Black victory continued a successful family tradition during Melbourne Cup week.  His dam Tennessee Morn won the G2 Maribyrnong Plate in 1993 and other “Tennessee” relations to feature at the carnival include LR Ottawa Stakes winners Tennessee Magic (1994) and Tennessee Midnight (1999).

Magnus has sired 6 winners in the last 10 days and there could be more at Flemington on Thursday with Miss Promiscuity (G3 Mumm Stakes) and Magnus Reign (LR Century Stakes).

Eliza Park International stands Magnus for a $17,600 (inc gst) service fee.