Racing: Nervous time for trainer

Nigel Blackiston got used to dealing with the pressure of group one racing in his former career as foreman for Bart Cummings but admitted to a few nerves ahead of saddling up Littorio in Saturday's Victoria Derby.

Although he is only lightly-raced, Littorio is one of the favourites going into the blue riband at A$6 last night with TAB Sportsbet.

Kibbutz is favourite at A$4 and Marching and Villain both at $4.40. "I've never had a Derby runner and so I am a little apprehensive," Blackiston said.

"But you don't get the chance very often and he's super fit. It could be easier without the NSW horses this year."