Not much went right for Celtic Prince in the Queensland Derby and trainer Bjorn Baker is keen to give him another distance test at Randwick on Saturday.
Baker believes Celtic Prince is a stayer of the future and is hoping he can prove that over 2600m against older, more seasoned performers.
Celtic Prince was checked coming to the home turn in the Group One Derby (2400m) at Eagle Farm last Saturday week and finished seventh, 11 lengths from the winner Hawkspur.
"He had no luck at a vital stage," Baker said.
"It looks like a good race for him on Saturday.
"He's a bit out of his grade but he will keep going all day and I think he can step up."
Celtic Prince's only win so far in a 10-start career was over 2300 metres at Newcastle in January when he had almost eight lengths to spare on his nearest rival.
The trainer is also keen to get a gauge on new stable acquisition Kisses, a stakes-winning filly from New Zealand who runs in the Benchmark 79 (1400m).
"She is new to me but so far has done everything right," Baker said.
"She is obviously a progressive filly, her New Zealand form shows that, and if she can measure up here there is good money to be won."
Baker has established himself in Sydney after training in partnership with his father Murray in New Zealand for several years and sits just outside the top 10 on the premiership table.
"If I hadn't come here I wouldn't be in racing now," Baker said.
"The prize money is so good and there are horses like Kisses coming over here now because there is nothing for them in New Zealand especially in the winter."
Kisses is owned by Chequers Stud which is now run by Mark Fraser-Campin, who trained in Sydney some years ago, and his brother Chris.
Chequers was established by their father Jim Campin who died earlier this year.
As he welcomes Kisses to the stable, Baker is preparing to farewell recent Sydney two-year-old winner Brilliant Terror who is the subject of an offer from Hong Kong.