Trainer Murray Baker says AJC Australian Derby winner Nom Du Jeu will start in the Group One Stoney Bridge Stakes at Hastings, New Zealand on Saturday, despite returning a positive test to a banned substance after his last start.Nom Du Jeu, Fully Fledged and Mountain Road returned positive tests to Ranitidine, a drug used to treat stomach ulcers, after they won races at Te Rapa, Hamilton, on September 5.Baker stressed Ranitidine was not performance-enhancing and was a common treatment for horses

Trainer Murray Baker says AJC Australian Derby winner Nom Du Jeu will start in the Group One Stoney Bridge Stakes at Hastings, New Zealand on Saturday, despite returning a positive test to a banned substance after his last start.

Nom Du Jeu, Fully Fledged and Mountain Road returned positive tests to Ranitidine, a drug used to treat stomach ulcers, after they won races at Te Rapa, Hamilton, on September 5.

Baker stressed Ranitidine was not performance-enhancing and was a common treatment for horses with ulcers.

"We have stuffed up unfortunately, given it too close to the races and we have to wear it," Baker told NZPA.

Racing's rules dictate that horses must be drug-free on race days. Trainers are guided by withholding times for the medical drugs they administer to horses between their races.

Baker said there was a mistake over the administration of the drug.

"It was a staff error," he said.

Racing's judiciary left it to Baker and his son and training partner Bjorn to decide whether to start his horses at Hastings on Saturday, and he said the three would line up.

Nom Du Jeu is the $4.80 second favourite behind Fritzy Boy ($4) for the $250,000 Stoney Bridge Stakes (1600m), the second leg of the Hawke's Bay triple crown.

"I am thrilled with him, he is going well, though 1600 metres might now be a shade short for him," Baker said.

He has a more than useful second string in Rios ($15) in the race.

"We are very happy with him too. It was a good win last start."

Baker said he was devastated by the positive tests.

"It's not a nice thing to have this thing hanging over your head. I have not had a positive test in 30 years training," he said.

"I like to think I am straight up and down. I'm not a shonky guy, I don't have to be."

New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing is inquiring into the positive tests and hasn't yet decided whether the Baker stable will be charged.

It faces the prospect of the horses being disqualified from the races and a fine or disqualification for the Bakers if charged.