Suddenly Monegal has competition as Theresa Bateup's stable star.
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Last year's Listed Winter Stakes winner Noble Boy, previously trained by Claire Cunningham, has moved to Kembla Grange, a six-year-old gelding who has earned $754,275 in 22 career runs.
Monegal has been Bateup's spearhead, the five-year-old mare finishing three lengths off Threeood in the Group 3 Belle Of The Turf in December and was spelled before her initial target of the Parramatta Cup last month.
Bateup has declared her intention to be patient with Noble Boy as she sets out autumn and winter targets, but said it was a huge boost to the stable.
"I was joking when he came in that we have to look after him, he's won more prizemoney than the rest of the stable combined," she said.
"And that includes Monegal ($343,345).
"He's only been back in work for a week and a half, we're not in a hurry with him.
"But when you look back at his form last year, there's no reason why we can't have more success with him."
Bateup said the Wagga Town Plate in May could be a potential target if Noble Boy is ready fresh, otherwise the Ramornie Handicap at the Grafton carnival is in the back of her mind.
Noble Boy has eight career wins, including two first-up from a spell, but crucially has been successful on good, soft and heavy surfaces.
"He's a beautiful horse," Bateup said.
"He's a typical older gelding who knows what it's all about, he's a real professional. The Town Plate might just come around too quick, but as he's getting older we should find some good races out to 14 or 1500, maybe even a mile."
The classy addition comes as Bateup continues a successful run at country venues, finishing with three winners at Monday's Sapphire Coast meeting.
Bateup finished first, third and fourth in the Merimbula Cup (1607m), with the consistent Club Legend overpowering Old Man's Angel and Jarrett, only Terry Robinson's Roseirro splitting them as runner-up.
Brock Ryan will ride four-year-old gelding Foxtrot Bravo in Sunday's 2000m Class 1 Plate at Canberra, hoping to continue a consistent preparation which included a win at Wagga.
Elsewhere, Gwenda Markwell's Gemmahra will return off two trials for Saturday's Provincial Championships qualifying heat at Hawkesbury.
The five-year-old Choisir mare has not been seen at the track since September and jockey Winona Costin will have to overcome an awkward draw from barrier 15. The Robert and Luke Price team have two chances in Noble Soldier and Ilvermony, who is coming off back-to-back wins.