Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman were well-represented in two Taupo trials on Friday and they duly dominated proceedings with their spring hopefuls.
The premiership-winning Cambridge duo produced Saint Emilion and Lizzie L’Amour to win their respective 1100m heats while a number of other Group One hopefuls on display also furthered their preparations in fine style.
“It was a very good effort by Saint Emilion,” Forsman said. “He’s quite a competitive horse and once he rolled to the front he was always going to be hard to get past.
“He’s quite forward and he’ll probably go to Hastings, there’s a race there on the first day for him.”
Ferrando was on the pace throughout to finish runner-up ahead of the winner’s stablemate and last season’s Gr.1 Australian Derby winner Jon Snow.
“We’re very happy with him Jon Snow. He got shuffled back on the fence and came home well, it was a nice effort,” Forsman said.
Group One-winning mare Thee Auld Floozie was a hard-held fourth and the dual Group One New Zealand Derby and Rosehill Guineas winner Gingernuts closed powerfully for fifth.
“We’re right on track with her,” trainer Stephen Marsh said of Thee Auld Floozie. “She’s come back better than ever.”
WATCH: Saint Emillion's trial win
(1100m - Slow 8 - 1:06:97 - 1. Saint Emilion, 2. Ferrando, 3. Jon Snow, 4. Thee Auld Floozie, 5.Gingernuts, 6. Charles Road, 7. Chocante, 8. La Luna Rossa, 9. Capella, 10. Camino Rocoso)
The Zabeel mare Lizzie L’Amour returned an encouraging performance to claim the second heat under Opie Bosson in her first appearance since winning the Gr.1 New Zealand Stakes.
“Opie was very happy with her,” Forsman said. “She put herself right there and she is coming up very well.”
Forsman also received a positive report from Bonneval’s rider Matt Cameron after the pair had closed off late to finish sixth.
“He was rapt with her. He said she was just loafing out the back and her last 100 metres was very encouraging.”
The race fit Amarula was second with Miss Wilson third ahead of Sofia Rosa and the Melbourne-bound colt Summer Passage.
“He had a quiet trial and he’s relaxed well and really learned to settle and chase,” said Summer Passage’s co-trainer Andrew Scott. “He will improve a lot and he’ll be on the plane in 10 days’ time.”
