Bluegrass Bloodstock (FBAA) agent Lenny Russo is gunning for more Group success after landing the G2 Australia Day Stakes (1200m) with Malaguerra.

Friday evening’s feature win at Moonee Valley increased Malaguerra’s earnings to more than $1.57 million.  Russo bought him for $32,000 at the 2013 Inglis VOBIS Gold Yearling Sale for owner Bruno Micallizzi.

“He was clearly the best horse in the race,” stable manager Manny Gelagotis said.  “He’s a multiple Group 1 winner and showed a lot of class tonight.”

Malaguerra (Magnus) clocked 1.09.29s to equal the track-record held solely by Miss Andretti since 2006.  He will now be set for Group 1 assignments in the Orr Stakes and Futurity Stakes at Caulfield in February.

Meanwhile, Russo will focus on the G3 Hobart Cup with Count da Vinci next Sunday, February 5.  The NZ bred gelding has been installed a $7.50 second favourite behind Irish-bred $3 market-leader Big Duke.

The Faltaat gelding had won a Woodville maiden before Russo swooped on behalf of owner Wayne Notman last year.  He built a picket-fence in Tasmania culminating in the Brighton Cup (2100m) on January 6.

Count da Vinci lost his final lead-up to the $200,000 Hobart Cup when runner-up to Geegees Goldengirl in the Summer Cup (2200m) last Sunday.  He wasn’t suited under the weight-for-age conditions and it will meet the mare 2kg better over 2400 metres.

Federation of Bloodstock Agents Australia (FBAA) was formed in 1998 to maintain, improve and develop the standards, status and services of bloodstock agents throughout Australia.  Its members operate with the utmost integrity and professionalism and are bound by the strict Industry Code of Conduct.

The list of FBAA members can be viewed at:  www.bloodstockagents.com.au

MALAGUERRA