Among the best two-year-olds of his generation, Menari finished the season without at black-type win to his credit.
The striking son of Snitzel righted that at his seasonal bow in Saturday's $150,000 Listed Smithfield RSL Club Rosebud at Rosehill Gardens.
Under the steadier of 60.5kgs, Menari was settled back towards the rear of the 8-horse field by Josh Parr as Siege Of Quebec cut out a strong early pace.
Parr found the back of Perast who dragged him into the race and when peeled three wide in the straight he gathered in the leaders in the space of 50 metres.
Siege Of Quebec (Fastnet Rock) battled on strongly to be beaten one and a quarter lengths with Trekking (Street Cry) a length back in third.
The $1 million Group I Golden Rose at Rosehill on September 23 would be the logical progression, however, trainer Gerald Ryan may set an even bigger target.
"I'm thinking the Everest," Ryan said, revealing some slot holders have shown interest.
He's a good horse, I think he's a sprinter but we'll play it by ear and see where we go with him.
"You want to see them come back and do it. Here at
"He goes back to (owner George Altomonte's) Corumbebe Stud and they look after him sensationally and he came back in fine order.
They rang up and said you better get him back in. We were going to give him another two weeks but they said he was doing too well.
"He's been aimed at this race all along. The best part about it is he's got
He's just a magnificent animal. You look at him in the yard, he stands out, he's got some charisma about him.
To ride he is just amazing, he's a big strong horse with a turn of foot.
"He won against the bias here today."
Ryan said Menari would likely make his next start in the $150,000 Group III San Domenico Stakes (1100m) on August 26.
Menari was scheduled to be sold at last year's Magic Million before falling sick on the eve of the sale so George Altomonte elected to race the son of Snitzel himself.
He is the fifth foal of the General Nediym mare Isurava who had a similar story as she failed to sell as a yearling before a track career that yielded three wins and two places in seven starts highlighted by a win in the Listed Tatt's QLD Australia Post Stakes.
Isurava is a sister to Group II Magic Night Stakes winner
Isurava has a 2yo filly by Snitzel named Sweet Ava. After missing to Hinchinbrook in 2015 she was covered by Not A Single Doubt last spring.
Menari becomes the 65th stakes winner for reigning champion sire Snitzel who enjoyed a day out at Rosehill with three winners.
