Cambridge trainer Murray Baker had just one quote from Australia early yesterday afternoon.
"Melbourne's just the best place to be in the spring."
Yes, no argument there, but Baker's spring got at least a little closer to home when one hour later Jeu de Cartes scored a brilliant first-up winat Te Rapa.
Jeu de Cartes was having just her sixth raceday start, but was already a nominee for the 3200m New Zealand Cup at Riccarton in November.
That might come up a bit quick for the talented emerging mare - maybe not - but you have to remember she is from the great staying mare Prized Gem, who included on her score card a 3200m Brisbane Cup and a Kelt Capital Stakes.
Baker has Victoria Derby winner Lion Tamer racing in Melbourne today.
* Dodging some of the best 3-year-olds in Australia is set to pay off for Karuta Queen at Rosehill today. While Manawanui was fending off Smart Missile and Helmet in last week's Golden Rose, Karuta Queen was in her Queanbeyan stable.
Trainer Neville Layt says it's all systems go for the A$100,000 Listed Heritage Stakes (1100m).
"I deliberately didn't run her in the Golden Rose because it was 1400m," Layt said. "I waited for the 1100m and I'm really confident of winning the Heritage Stakes."
Karuta Queen kicked strongly after leading in the Run To The Rose three weeks ago only to be run down by three of the best 3-year-olds in training, led home by Smart Missile.
