With stable flag bearer Sincero out to the spelling paddock for the summer months, trainer Stephen Farley is relying on the talent of Gazza Guru to see him through.

Gazza Guru has placed in five of his six runs so far this preparation, winning the Grafton Cup in July.

“This preparation has probably been one of the best preparations of his career,” Farley said.

“He’s been very consistent from day one and run some very good races without winning.

“He’s always a horse that has had ability but I think he’s very happy within himself at the moment.”

The seven-year-old gelding has shown no signs of fading with age.

“He has had a few niggling injuries along the way and now he’s older and more mature they’ve settled down and he’s racing a lot more consistently,” Farley said.

Gazza Guru is expected to contest either the Summer or Christmas Cup in December.

“He’ll probably have a fortnight into the Frank Underwood Cup at Canterbury and then he’ll go into one of those, the Summer or Christmas Cups,” Farley said.

Stablemate Sincero, who won both his Sydney starts this spring, was unable to finish better than fifth after four runs in Melbourne.

“I was pretty happy with his campaign down there in that he learned a lot and I learned a lot being there,” Farley said.

“It is different, they’re the best of the best.

“I did pick up on a few things down there and hopefully when I go back next year I’ll be a lot more knowledgeable.”