Castelvecchio (inside) couldn't hold off the powerful finish of Lys Gracieux in the Cox Plate (Image: Racing Photos)
Castelvecchio announced himself as a genuine weight-for-age contender with a brilliant performance behind Lys Graciuex in Saturday's Cox Plate (2040m).
The lone three-year-old in the field looked a winning chance when he skipped clear on the turn and was only run down late by the brilliant Japanese mare.
Trainer Richard Litt was delighted with the performance.
"We're very proud of him, he's come a long way because it's only his ninth start, so we've got a lot to look forward to," Litt said.
"It took a really god horse to beat him.
"I'd like to probably see him in the paddock and bring him back for the autumn."
WATCH: Castelvecchio's brave Cox Plate challenge
It was Craig Williams' industrious ride that nearly stole the race, with the jockey using the colt's featherweight 49.5kg impost to make an early move.
While it wasn't enough to win the race, Williams is predicting a big future for last season's Champagne Stakes winner.
"Wow, he was so awesome in defeat," Williams said.
"I love the way he put himself in a forward position, but I actually had to get him to relax because he was trying to overdo it a little bit.
"He travelled inside the 600m, he towed me there and I thought we would see if the Japanese mare is as good as her form suggested and unfortunately, she was.
"Credit to my horse, he's done a great job and he'll be a star of our carnivals to come."