Bonny three-year-old filly Ruby Slipper has made a positive start to the premier racing’s period with an encouraging second in Saturday’s listed Sir John Monash Stakes at Caulfield.

Laing was pleased with the way the filly pulled up after chasing home the Newmarket Handicap winner Rubitano in a race which provided the former champion galloper and now leading sire Rubiton with a trifecta.

"She’s pulled up in great shape," Laing said at Werribee yesterday. "The Bletchingly will be next on her agenda and we’re just hoping perhaps Rubitano may not be there."

Ruby Slipper isn’t the only horse in the stable which is being aimed at some of the riches over the Victorian carnival with Rohatyn, Pantani and Roman Arch also back in work.

Rohatyn, already a stakes winner in Melbourne and Group winner in Adelaide (defeating Blur), has come back to the stable in great shape according to his trainer.

"He (Rohatyn) looks superb," Laing said. "He’s into his fourth week and the Vain Stakes will probably be the race we kick him off in."

Laing is expecting to press on to the Ascot Vale Stakes at Flemington before a couple of Group One targets – the Caulfield Guineas and Victoria Derby.

Meanwhile, the South Australian Derby winner Pantani is also showing good early signs since returning to work recently.

"Pantani is due to trial on Friday along with Roman Arch," Laing said.

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