Trainer Andrew Forsman has managed to find a Victoria Derby runner in Mr Maestro (NZ) (Savabeel), only five months after branching out on his own as a trainer.

Ridden by Damian Lane, Mr Maestro came with a barnstorming finish to defeat the Kermadec colt Kapakiri by one and three-quarter lengths in Sunday’s Penfolds Victoria Derby Preview (1800m) at Flemington.

The favourite Major Beel (NZ) (Savabeel) was a further one and a quarter length back in third.

It was the third Australian start for Mr Maestro, who won over 1300m at Avondale at two and was third in the Listed Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Pukekohe Park.

“We brought him here with the staying races in mind. I was a bit nervous about the heavy track conditions as he has not raced for a month – going 1800m, I thought it was a tough effort,” Forsman said.  

“There is a bit to go between now and (the Derby), so hopefully, he can continue to improve.

“We have a few options and haven’t pencilled anything in yet. We could consider dropping back to the mile and having a go at the (Caulfield) Guineas.

“We will see what Damian has to say, but he has plenty of options.

“He is well-bred, and pedigree takes you a long way. It’s now up to him, but he has continued to improve, and I thought for the first time that he looked a proper racehorse.”

Purchased by his trainer for $100,000 from the Windsor Park draft at Karaka in 2021, Mr Maestro is the second foal of the Group 2 placed Rip Van Winkle mare Let Me Roar, who won six of her seven starts for the Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman partnership.

A sister to stakes-placed Lubaya, Let Me Roar is a half-sister to Lion Tamer. He won the 2010 Victoria Derby by six and a half lengths and later added the Group 1 Underwood Stakes.

A Charm Spirit colt out of Let Me Roar sold for $80,000 to part owner John Stubbs at Karaka earlier this year has also joined the Forsman stable.