While Murray Baker and Andrew Forsman didn’t take out the Gr.1 Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Awapuni last Saturday, they are excited for the future with talented two-year-olds Aretha and Holy Mongolemperor.

Aretha finished runner-up in the two-year-old feature, and while Holy Mongolemperor ran home late to finish eighth, their trainers believe both runners have big futures ahead of them.

“She’s a good filly, Aretha,” Baker said. “Her four starts have all been in Group races and she has won or placed in them all.

“Holy Mongolemperor is very green. He lost his way a bit on Saturday unfortunately.

“He stretched out a bit in the last 200m when he got going. He’s just more of a three-year-old, but we had to have a crack, it was a Group One.

“We know he is a bit rough around the edges, but I am sure next season he will certainly be a horse to follow.”