New Zealand trainer Murray Baker has been around the Australasian racing scene for too long to be taking anything for granted.

The Cambridge trainer, these days operating in partnership with Andrew Forsman, couldn’t be happier with his dual Derby winner Mongolian Khan going into Saturday’s G1 Caulfield Stakes over 2000m.

But while the race lacks numbers Baker realises the challenge facing Mongolian Khan is a stern one.

“It might only be a small field, but there are seven Group One winners in it,” Baker said.

“The distance will suit him and we’re hoping for a good run but there will be improvement in him for the Caulfield Cup at 2400 metres.”

Mongolian Khan has performed admirably in his two spring outings in Melbourne, following a close seventh in the Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) followed by an excellent fourth in the Underwood Stakes (1800m).

“We’ve been very happy with him. At his last start he dipped out of the gate and lost a back plate before he ran on strongly in the straight,” Baker said.

Baker and Forsman will also be represented at Caulfield on Saturday by the 3YO Dal Cielo in the G1 Caulfield Guineas.

Last season’s G1 Diamond Stakes winner finished fourth when resuming in NZ before he a bold third after making the running in the G3 Caulfield Guineas Prelude in his Australian debut on September 26 when he wore blinkers for the first time.

“He’s going pretty well and we thought he deserved his chance,” Baker said.

“He raced with blinkers on and raced quite fiercely.

“He’s normally quite a relaxed horse. From barrier eight he won’t be leading this time.

“He will be up there and he’ll have his chance.”