Andrew Forsman has only just returned to New Zealand after overseeing the final preparations of his team competing in The Championships in Sydney, but he is hoping it won’t be too long until he is back across the Tasman.

Forsman and training partner Murray Baker will have a strong contingent at Ellerslie on Saturday, including a couple of three-year-olds they have earmarked for Classic targets in Queensland over the coming months.

While a trip to the sunshine state is in the offing for Joy Alone (Roc de Cambes) and Daqiansweet Junior, Forsman said they will need to perform in the Gr.2 Trelawney Stud Championship Stakes (2100m) at Ellerslie to warrant the trip.

Both featured prominently in the Gr.3 Manawatu Classic (2000m) at Awapuni over Easter Weekend, with Joy Alone running home late to take out the three-year-old feature, while Daqiansweet Junior held on for third.

“Joy Alone was really strong at the finish and came from a fair way off them,” Forsman said. “The other guy (Daqiansweet Junior) just struggled in the (Slow9) ground a touch, which might be the query with him again on Saturday (Ellerslie rated a Slow8 on Thursday morning).

“I have only just got back this week but I have seen both of their gallops this week and both are working up really well and both seem to be in good order.”

Daqiansweet Junior has drawn the ace marble for Saturday, while Joy Alone will jump from barrier 12, allowing both three-year-olds to follow their natural racing pattern.

“Daqiansweet Junior should be handy enough and Joy Alone will naturally get back,” Forsman said. “It will be interesting to see how the track’s playing. From those draws they should both get their chance.”

-NZ Racing Desk