Trainer Murray baker has long-term 2012 Caulfield Cup plans for last-start Ellerslie winner Jeu de Cartes (NZ).

The Stravinsky mare is a half-sister to G1 AJC Derby winning stallion Nom du Jeu (Montjeu).  Their dam Prized Gem (Prized), was a G1 winner of the Kelt Capital and Brisbane Cup in 2002.

Jeu de Cartes (NZ) has inherited plenty of the family ability and Baker has entered her for the G2 Wellington Cup (2400m) at Trentham and G1 Auckland Cup (3200m) at Ellerslie.

“It’s been a very good family and she’s got the class of the family too,” Baker claimed.  “She is still learning but looks a Caulfield Cup prospect to me.  She’s only been beaten once over ground and that was by Allan Sharrock’s filly Shez Sinsational last season.”

Jeu de Cartes impressed jockey Jason Collett when she showcased her staying potential in winning the Hospice North Shore 2200 at Ellerslie.  “She just keeps stepping up,” Collett said after the mare increased her strike-rate to 5 wins in 10 starts last Saturday.  “She was challenged a few times but was just too good.”

Baker said Jeu de Cartes would have her next start in the G3 Manawatu Cup (2300m) at Awapuni on Saturday week.  “I need one like her as a replacement for Lion Tamer and Harris Tweed,” Baker said.  “They’re like All Blacks – they don’t come around very often.”

Baker also trained Nom du Jeu to a G1 triumph in the 2008 Australian Derby at Randwick.  He is currently serving a second book of mares at Fairdale Stud in Palmerston North.