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 win
at 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.
