Trainer Bjorn Baker is aiming to emulate his father Murray Baker’s legacy with stayers, as he prepares Arapaho for the upcoming Sydney Cup (3200m) at Randwick. Murray Baker, renowned for his success with stayers, secured numerous major victories, including five Australian Derbies and the 1992 Sydney Cup with My Eagle Eye.
Bjorn Baker, who recently celebrated a Doncaster Mile win with Stefi Magnetica, is set to field six runners on day two of The Championships. Among them are Stefi Magnetica, backing up in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m), and Arapaho in the Sydney Cup.
Reflecting on his father’s advice, Baker emphasized the significance of fitness and composure in stayers. “They need to be fit as much as anything,” Baker said. “So it was just to give them a good base and have them fit and they’ve got to be relaxed during the run too, which is key.”
Arapaho enters the Sydney Cup after a consistent campaign, including a runner-up finish to Vauban in the Sky High Stakes (2000m) and a solid fourth behind Dubai Honour in the Tancred Stakes (2400m). The gelding has previously attempted the two-mile distance twice, finishing midfield in the 2022 Melbourne Cup and fourth in the 2023 Sydney Cup.
Baker acknowledges the uncertainty surrounding Arapaho’s aptitude for the extended distance but remains optimistic. “Two miles is a bit of a question mark,” Baker said. “But we’re happy with him. He ran really well in the Tancred so we’re hoping it works out.”
Stefi Magnetica is set to back up from her impressive Doncaster Mile victory, a strategy that has proven effective in the past. In the spring, she finished just over a length behind Mr Brightside in the Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington, a week after her fifth-place finish in the Golden Eagle (1500m).
“We know she performs well on the back-up. She went to the Champions Mile after the Golden Eagle last year and was very good that day,” Baker said. “She has got a good gate to help on Saturday as well, gate four, so she should be able to put herself right there and we couldn’t be happier with the way she has come through.”
Baker is also hopeful that Within The Law can secure a consolation win in the Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m) after an unfortunate incident in the Golden Slipper. “She’s in great order, thankfully, and she trialled well last week,” Baker said. “She has been running well, she’s been a great two-year-old filly for Darby (Racing) and on form alone, I think she’s a great chance.”
Additionally, Baker will saddle Alabama Charm in the Percy Sykes, with Imperial Force contesting the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint and Queues Likely in the Sapphire Stakes, rounding out his strong team for the Sydney meeting.
