Champion trainer Gai Waterhouse expects big things from a stable addition that starts his autumn campaign on Saturday in the Group I Canterbury Stakes (1300m) at Randwick.

The horse is Ugo Foscolo, a three-year-old gelding by South Island-based stallion Zacinto.

Ugo Foscolo won five of his six starts in New Zealand, racing in the colours made famous in Australia by Lucia Valentina, and his biggest success came at his last run when beating Savile Row in the Group I NZ 2000 Guineas in November.

"He's got a real X-factor about him. He's very special," Waterhouse, who trains in partnership with Adrian Bott, said.

"He's definitely one of the best-credentialed New Zealand horses to come here in recent years and he's done nothing but impress me since he walked into the stables.

"The New Zealand three-year-olds look very strong this season. La Bella Diosa win the Surround Stakes last week and you also have a horse like Sacred Elixir."

The irony of Ugo Foscolo finding his way to Tulloch Lodge is it was actually Savile Row that was the stable's target when they approached owner Kevin Hickman to buy a future carnival prospect.

"Adrian rang the owner Kevin Hickman about a horse (Savile Row) that actually runs in the Derby in New Zealand this weekend," Waterhouse said.

"Kevin said he wasn't for sale but I'll sell you this. This was Ugo Foscolo.

"Adrian spoke to Rob about the horse and Rob told him 'you must buy him'."

Waterhouse said Ugo Foscolo possesses plenty of natural speed and she expects the three-year-old to handle the pressure of Saturday's weight-for-age Group I contest.

"Yes, I do think he'll run well," Waterhouse said. "His main aim is the Doncaster this preparation and I'm looking towards the Cox Plate in the spring.

"He's that sort of horse."