The mare stormed home late to come within a whisker of prevailing in a 1400 metres BenchMark 78 at Randwick, ultimately finishing third by half a head.

Read more: A career inspired by Bede Murray, Joseph Ible returns home to Kembla Grange

It's the third-straight prep Monegal has impressed first-up, the challenge now for Bateup to ensure she backs it up in her next race.

"When she pulled out and started to come home, I was riding her as hard as Brock was," Bateup said. " I thought she might get there, but she was absolutely super.

"We'll keep picking off some of these Saturday races now. There's also the new $2 million race for fillies and mares announced Friday.

"I don't think she's quite in that class, but if she can string a couple of wins together she might be able to put her hand up."

Monegal's effort came as stablemate The Guru ran third in freezing conditions in Goulburn.

"He was super honest," Bateup said. "He doesn't love heavy tracks and I wouldn't say he looked comfortable but he's got a big heart and tries hard.

"It will be nice to see him back on a firmer track. It's good to see him put the effort in, if we can find the right races he can chalk up a couple of wins."