Classics still possible for racing pair

Cambridge trainers Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman will find out in the next week if they will contest classic spoils over Melbourne Cup week with stable three year olds Botti and Rubira.

The training duo are undecided whether Rubira will contest the Gr.1 VRC Oaks (2500m) after she finished fifth behind Verry Elleegant in the Gr.3 Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield on October 20.

“She was just fair the other day, so we’ll give it a week or so and see whether we press onto the Oaks or bring her home,” said Forsman. “The Oaks will fall away a little bit and she’ll tell us in a week how she is feeling heading into it. I can’t fault her — she’s probably just a touch weak at this stage.”

Botti pleased connections with his last start fifth-placing at Moe and they were hoping he can earn a spot in the Gr.1 Victoria Derby (2500m) field with a good performance in the Gr.2 Drummond Golf Vase (2040m) at Moonee Valley.

“His last run was very good. We were rapt with how he went,” said Forsman. “He had no luck being down on the rail. To his credit for an inexperienced horse against older horses, to pick himself up and still get going again showed a lot of character and I think he is really making it as a racehorse.

“Hopefully he can get a little bit more prizemoney to help him get in the Derby the following week.”