Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman will find out in the next week if they will contest classic spoils over Melbourne Cup week with stable three-year-olds Botti and Rubira.
Botti pleased his connections with his last start fifth-placing at Moe and they are hoping he can earn himself a spot in the Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) field with a good performance in the Gr.2 Drummond Golf Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley on Saturday.
"His last run was very good, we were rapt with how he went," Forsman said. "He had no luck being down on the rail. I thought to his credit for an inexperienced horse against older horses, to pick himself up and still get going again showed a lot of character and I think he is really making it as a racehorse.
"Hopefully he can get a little bit more prizemoney to help him get in the Derby the following week."
Meanwhile, the training duo remain undecided on whether Rubira will contest the Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m) after she finished fifth behind Verry Elleegant in the Gr.3 Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday. "She was just fair the other day, so we'll give it a week or so and see whether we press on to the Oaks or bring her home."
