Baker-Forsman stable eyes three features

Andrew Forsman
Andrew Forsman
Leading trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman can not win today’s Telegraph at Trentham, but they have a realistic shot in each of the other three features at the track known as the Champagne Turf.

The Cambridge training duo start Mongolian Marshal in the group 1 Thorndon Mile, Artiste in the Wellington Cup and Showbeel and Selenelion in the Desert Gold Stakes.

Mongolian Marshal steps back in distance to 1600m after his fourth placing in the Zabeel Classic (2000m).

Forsman hopes the shorter trip will suit the 5yr-old.

"He had a little bit of a freshen since the Zabeel Classic and I think back to the mile should suit him," Forsman told NZ Racing Desk.

"He takes a good form line into the race.

"He has been racing in very good company and hasn’t won for a little while, but I think the conditions of the race suit."

Forsman’s main concern is where Mongolian Marshal and rider Opie Bosson will be able to position themselves after jumping from barrier 12.

"I expect that he will run well. He is just going to need luck in the run.

"We have got the right man on board and hopefully he can get the job done."

Artiste was a sound sixth in the incident-marred City Of Auckland Cup.

The restarting of the 2400m race did not help the 6yr-old.

"She just got over-racing second time around after the false start at Ellerslie the other day, so her run was probably better than what it looked.

"She is in very good form, but whether she can relax and run the two miles [3200m] out, that will be the query with her.

"She is well-weighted and on ability I think she is up to beating most of those horses.’’

Showbeel had a horror run in Eight Carat Classic at Ellerslie.

Forsman hopes she can measure up with leading fillies Jennifer Eccles and Loire if she has more luck today.

"I certainly think Showbeel is up to them. I just think she hasn’t had all things in her favour in her last couple of races.

"She got caught wide at Ellerslie, so forgive that run. From a good draw (4) she will be much better suited."

Baker and Forsman also start Selenelion in the 1600m feature following her maiden win at Rotorua.

 

Add a Comment