A leading New Zealand horse trainer has high hopes for Saturday's Caulfield Cup in Victoria, despite a massive setback.
After coming third last year, Andrew Forsman is eyeing up a better finish for his hope, The Chosen One.
But Forsman's had to overcome a late hurdle on the eve of the race, with the scratching of his second horse, Quick Thinker, who suffered a leg injury.
Forsman will still have The Chosen One in action, and after coming third last year, feels they can go even better.
"He's up to that company," Forsman tells Newshub.
"Obviously he got beaten by two very good horses in Very Elegant and Anthony van Dyk.
"They won't be there this year, so it does give you a lot of confidence he's good enough."
After finishing second last week at the Herbert Power Stakes, Forsman says the six-year-old is in career-best-form.
"Probably as good as he's ever been in. He had to carry weight, had to give a start on a firm track, and the ground he made up late was very good. He just seems to be in a great space."
The first Australasian horse home in last year's Melbourne Cup, Forsman believes the potential wet conditions, and barrier nine draw, could be favourable for The Chosen One at Caulfield.
"He's raced pretty well, to be honest, on the rain-affected ground before I think. A little bit hard to know, but I guess he's probably going to handle it better than some others that need good ground.
After a tough day at the office, Forsman is hoping for a less stressful one in front of his television set tomorrow.
