Victoria Derby winner Lion Tamer (NZ) prepared for his first up assignment in next Saturday’s G2 NZB Memsie Stakes (1400m) with a solid track gallop between races at Waipa on Wednesday.

The Murray Baker trained stallion had won a Te Teko barrier trial earlier this month and he comfortably accounted for stablemate Harris Tweed (Montjeu) in the hit-out.  

“The Memsie won’t be an easy race first-up but we think he can handle it,” stable foreman Andrew Forsman said.  “Harris Tweed is in good shape, too.  He will start off in the Makybe Diva Stakes a week after the Memsie.”

Lion Tamer (4h Storming Home – Lioness by Generous) is being set for the Cox Plate and Melbourne Cup whereas Harris Tweed will be strictly on a Cups program.

Forsman has assumed the stable’s second in charge role now that Baker’s son Bjorn is based in Sydney.  “Bjorn left a few weeks ago and already has about 10 horses in work over there,” Forsman said.  “He might also get horses from us if the owners think they don’t have the right racing opportunities in New Zealand.”