Racing: Jon Snow to press forward in Makybe

Makybe Diva (1600m) contender Jon Snow. Photo / Darryl Sherer

Group one-winning entire Jon Snow will face a strong field when he contests today's group one Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, with Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman hoping the son of Iffraaj can show solid progression from his first-up fourth in the group one Tarzino Trophy (1400m) a fortnight ago.

"Obviously he is second-up off a big first-up run," Forsman said.

"It's very similar to last year in that he is second-up at a mile. He is a stayer probably looking for further and you would expect him to be a little bit dour.

"We're looking for a good, solid run, similar to what he put in to last year."

Jon Snow finished eighth behind Humidor in last year's Makybe Diva Stakes, which proved a springboard to success in the group three JRA Cup (2040m) followed by a group one placing in the Caulfield Stakes (2000m).

"He's a year older, so he is a bit more mature physically and he is certainly a more experienced traveller, so he has settled in really well over there," Forsman said.

"I expect him to run well, but it is a pretty hot field."

Jon Snow is one of nine group one winners in the field of 12, with Darren Weir saddling a quartet of runners including reigning champ Humidor, and will bid to win his third successive Makybe Diva Stakes following the win of Palentino in 2016.

Despite the quality of the field, Forsman does not believe there are too many natural front-runners and expects Jon Snow and rider Stephen Baster to go forward from barrier four today.

"He naturally just jumps and puts himself in the race," Forsman said. "He will be handy enough and I don't think there is a heap of speed on paper, so that should suit him.

"Stephen has ridden him before and knows him pretty well, and although nothing is locked in beyond Saturday, at this stage I'd like to think he will stick with him through his campaign."

With a team of five including Bonneval, Vin De Dance, Zacada, Rubira and Jon Snow already based at Flemington, the Baker-Forsman Melbourne team will grow even further in the coming days with a pair of smart three-year-olds set to travel from New Zealand this weekend.

"Peaceful and Botti are going to Melbourne on Sunday and they will both campaign there," Forsman said.

"Ole Ole will run in New Zealand next week. Hopefully the weather holds, and we can get a line on him on a reasonable track at a mile.

"He could potentially go for the Spring Champion Stakes, but he has got to prove himself here first."

- NZ Racing Desk