Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker has his sights set on Flemington's Group I Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) with Brian Crowley Stakes winner Goodfella.
Goodfella started a $2.25 favourite in the 1200m Listed event at Randwick on Saturday and duly got the job done under Jason Collett.
Baker had indicated earlier in the week that the Snitzel colt was on trial for the Coolmore Stud Stakes and is now taking a philosophical approach to the potentially career-changing race on Derby Day.
"You've got to be in it to win it," Baker said.
"He's really improved in the last two weeks and the owners are keen to get down to Melbourne.
"He did a super job as a juvenile and deserves a good race."
Despite coming back in distance from a win over the Randwick 1400m a fortnight ago, Goodfella's class came to the fore over the final 200m, defeating Godolphin's Piracy ($7) by half a length. The Chris Waller-trained Andaz ($7) finished a further short half head back in third.
"That (coming back to 1200m) was always a bit of a question mark, but he's a very tough horse and appreciated the soft conditions," Baker said.
"He's come back from a wind operation so he's done a great job."
The victory came 40 minutes after Baker's resuming stayer Collateral ($17) narrowly missed in a photo finish to the ClubsNSW Handicap (1400m).
"He'll go to an 1800m race in a couple of weeks but it was a great return. I gave him a huge chance to be honest," Baker said.
"He's a very good horse. You don't do what he did last preparation without having a heap of ability."
