Cambridge galloper On The Level is preparing for a trip to Brisbane to contest the Queensland Derby. Photo / Supplied
New Zealand Derby placegetter On The Level will get a crack at Australia's best 3-year-old stayers after all.
A bacterial infection scrapped plans to start the highly rated Cambridge gelding in Shamrocker's AJC Derby at Randwick earlier this month.
But yesterday Bjorn Baker, who trains in partnership with father Murray,
confirmed that On The Level has shaken off the setback and will be set for the Queensland Derby instead.
The A$500,000 group one over 2400m is at Eagle Farm on June 11.
"We're really happy with him," said Baker.
"He'll kick off again at Waikato in two weeks over 1600m and go from there."
On The Level looked a major threat at Ellerslie on the turn before floundering slightly in the ground.
Meanwhile, the Bakers have just one runner at Te Aroha today, promising filly Great Of Favours.
She should be tough to beat if she can overcome the wide alley in race 10, the R70 over 1400m.
Bjorn Baker says she has improved with her last-start run for second to the promising Suribachi over 1400m at New Plymouth.
Great Of Flavours quit maiden company this course and distance last September.
The value in the same race, the last leg of the $40,000 Pick6, could be Keenly.
She's been freshened since failing in far stronger company and has gone some big races over this trip.
La Grande Dame (leg five) will be a popular anchor; her trainer Stephen Marsh just hopes she isn't already looking for the spelling paddock.
"She's been up for a long time and has drawn horribly but she does deserve to break through." he said.
Marsh said stablemate Catch The Star (leg four) is another must-include, despite her costly debut when slow away at Paeroa.
"She's got a lot to learn still, but she's trained on really well since," he said.
"If she gets out of the gates good, she's a filly with ability."
Marsh said Thee Old Sheila (leg three), the mount of James McDonald, is also a multiple chance in her first race since December.
"She's strengthened up good since she last raced and should be in for a good season.
"The wetter the better for her; she's one to look forward to in the winter, but she should still run a good race while fresh."
