Around 10 years ago Andrew Forsman never thought he'd be in a position to challenge for a Melbourne Cup.
Now that's a very real possibility, along with training partner, the legendary Murray Baker.
The pair have two real possibilities to run in the "race that stops a nation" on the first Tuesday in November - flying filly Bonneval and the ever-improving Jon Snow.
But for Forsman, he's still pinching himself realising he's in this position. Forsman started working in the racing industry as a cameraman and floor manager for Trackside, where he met Baker.
"Growing up I certainly had no aspirations of being a horse trainer - it's not really something they teach you at school," he laughs.
Forsman, 34, started working at Baker's stables during his part-time work at Trackside and their the partnership started to grow.
"A few of the guys at the track call him my dad," he said.
It's blossomed into an incredible partnership.
Baker and Forsman have recently been announced trainers of the year at the Horse of the Year awards.
And Forsman is quickly learning from the master what it takes to become such a master at the art.
"He's very dedicated. His hobby is his job and he lives and breathes it," he said.
The next month could be the crowning period in Forsman's blossoming career.
Bonneval, a dual Oaks winner, is the favourite for the Caulfield Stakes on Saturday week, while Jon Snow, who blitzed the field in the Australian Derby in April, is also likely to be in the field in one of the most coveted races in the world.
Before then, the pair will run in this weekend's Caulfield Stakes.
But it's all leading to the first Tuesday in November.
"Bonneval's an Oaks winner and Jon Snow's a Derby winner and that's the sort of profile you need for a Melbourne Cup."
Forsman and Baker will decide whether to gun for the Melbourne Cup, once they've got through the Caulfield Cup.