Talented Testa Rossa gelding Maranello will be set for the G1 Singapore Guineas after scoring a brilliant first-up victory over 1400m at Kranji on Friday night.

Maranello (3g Testa Rossa – Rose Reward by Sir Tristram) is trained by Anthony Freedman for the Quicksilver Stable.  He is a younger half-brother to Group 1 mare Lotteria and was a $140,000 buy from Baramul Stud at the 2010 Gold Coast Magic Millions.

Freedman said he would give Maranello every opportunity to develop after the gelding flew home to win by four lengths under Joao Moreira.  He had won over a mile at Kranji in November.

“Joao was having trouble getting a clear run so he jagged him back to last and hooked out wide,” Freedman said.  “Joao said he let down very well and believes he has a future up here.”

“His half-sister Lotteria ran second to Makybe Diva in a Cox Plate.  She used to stick on pretty well and this bloke is showing those same signs.

“Long- term, I would like to think of him as a Guineas type.  There aren’t a lot of staying options around for the three-year-olds at this stage so I’ll have a good look at the program and see what’s available.”

Vinery sire Testa Rossa has sired the winners of 52 races in Singapore.  His world-wide record stands at 415 winners of 1240 races at an incredible 72% strike-rate.