Trainer Barry Baldwin believes it is a long shot that The Candy Man can make the field for the Group One Epsom Handicap and he is looking for other options in Sydney.
The Candy Man needed to win Friday's Cameron Handicap at Newcastle to assure a place in the field for the Epsom at Randwick on October 5.
He finished near last after having little luck in the run.
“He got caught deep the whole way and also copped a check at the 1000 metres which basically put him out of the race,” Baldwin said.
“On a positive note Michael (Cahill) said all he wanted to do was run on. It is an indication he wants further than 1600 metres.
“Michael wasn't downcast at all and it is just the luck of racing.”
Baldwin is one of the few trainers who hopes NSW's big wet continues.
The Candy Man is considered a good wet track horse and Baldwin was dismayed when Newcastle dried out on Friday.
“We are in the forties on the list to make the Epsom so we are a long shot to make it,” Baldwin said.
“But if it rains constantly maybe a lot of horses will drop out of the Epsom and we could sneak in.”
Baldwin said there was a 2000m race for The Candy Man at Rosehill in November but he would need another run beforehand.
“I will have a good talk with Lucky (owner Pippos) and see where to head next,” he said.
The Candy Man won seven races in a row in Queensland last campaign and has a huge fan following because he races champion Gunsynd's colours.