KEY POINTS:
If you're going to be beaten in a group one race, Murray Baker knows it couldn't get much better than when Nom Du Jeu finished second to Princess Coup in the Stoney Bridge Stakes last start.
Baker drove home to Cambridge from Hastings knowing he had a handful
of positives to take out of the defeat.
For starters, Baker knew Nom Du Jeu was one race away from where he wanted him to be after a shortened preparation because of the equine influenza quarantine requirements.
Then Nom Du Jeu sat three wide in mid-field without cover before launching a run at the leaders in the home straight at the same time Princess Coup was swishing on by.
But the main positive Baker was thinking about was how much better Nom Du Jeu was going to be when he stepped up to a middle distance from the 1600m of the Stoney Bridge.
Baker even wishes tomorrow's 2040m was 2400m.
"He's a real stayer this horse and his best form is going to be when he gets to 2400m or further."
That said, the Cambridge trainer is not in any way discounting his Kelt chances.
"He'll get his chance to win."
Baker is cautious with words, but it's clear he fancies Nom Du Jeu has improved sufficiently in fitness to put him close to Princess Coup.
"She's the benchmark, but we're closing the gap."
Baker believes Nom Du Jeu could be even better than when he came from well back with a rails finish to win the AJC Derby in Sydney last autumn.
Rios finished well back in the Stoney Bridge, but only after a very interrupted run in the closing stages.
He came from near last to win in lesser company on the first of the three days at Hastings, but Baker said yesterday he believes Rios will be a lot closer in running this time.
"I'd expect him to be in the first half of the field.
Noel Harris replaces AJC Derby-winning rider Jeff Lloyd, whose obligations in Sydney this weekend preclude his coming to New Zealand.
A win by either horse would be a great thrill for Murray Baker's son and new training partner, Bjorn, a pharmacist who has had a licence since only August 1.