The race didn't go to plan but Backstedt got the result his trainers thought he would at Sandown on Saturday.

Backstedt surprised his stable when he didn't lead stablemate Jacquinot Bay before they ran the quinella in the Booralite Park Handicap (1600m).

Ridden by Stephen Baster, Backstedt, the $3.10 favourite, scored by 1-1/4 lengths from Jacquinot Bay ($5) with Zabisco ($4) 1-1/2 lengths away third.

The David Hayes and Tom Dabernig-trained gelding will be aimed at the Listed Lord Stakes (1600m) at Sandown on Boxing Day.

Baster said he could have pushed for the lead but elected to take a sit on Jacquinot Bay because he felt they were going along "steady enough".

A seven-time winner from 28 starts and with prize money approaching $350,000, Dabernig said Backstedt had been a consistent performer.

"He's a terrific horse and I'm sure he'll hold his form heading into Christmas," Dabernig said.

"He's very good from a mile (1600m) up to 2000 metres which is about his limit but he should be well placed in the coming months."

Dabernig said it was pleasing to see Jacquinot Bay show a return to form, noting that riding him forward was the right thing to do.