Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman are likely to be scouring Australian racing programmes for Saint Emilion following the grand front-runner’s success at Ellerslie.

The Cambridge trainers will be seriously tempted to look further afield after they produced the son of Mastercraftsman to a career-best performance in Saturday’s Gr.1 Bonecrusher New Zealand Stakes (2000m) at Ellerslie.

“We’ll see what’s about and think about Sydney and Brisbane, we’ll be looking at all the options,” Forsman said.

Saint Emilion coasted along in his customary role in front under jockey Leith Innes and he held a strong gallop to the post for the 13^th win of his career.

“It worked out perfectly and Leith rode him a treat, in that mood he’s hard to catch,” Forsman said. “He was just cruising and he really deserved that.”

Saint Emilion was one of three runners in the race for the stable, but Lizzie L’Amour and Nicoletta failed to run up to their best form and were unplaced.

“They were both disappointing and maybe victims of a tracks that has dried out,” Forsman said.

By contrast, the going was ideal for Saint Emilion and Innes said the grey had the race sewn up a long way out.

“At the 1200m I felt pretty confident. He was enjoying his work. Murray and Andrew always have them very fit and it’s great to pick up a Group One for them.

“He’s a grand old horse and he horse deserved it.”