Heading into the northern Queensland racing scene wasn’t initially part of Bjorn Baker’s plans, but two stable stars are now set to chase a significant payday in Sunday’s The Archer at Rockhampton.
The 1300-metre slot race is in its fourth edition and features two of Baker’s in-form runners—Sandpaper and Iowna Merc—who top the market at $4 and $4.80 respectively.
“It’s not an easy race – there isn’t any,” said Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton.
Hilton noted Sandpaper’s recent form surge, with the five-year-old winning two of his last three outings, including the Group 3 Newcastle Stakes.
“Sandpaper is coming off a good win and he’s had a long preparation,” he said. “He was unlucky in the Doncaster Prelude caught wide but bounced back to form the other day (at Randwick).
“He’s been a revelation in his first preparation for us after Darby Racing bought him online.”
Iowna Merc has also emerged as a consistent performer, placing in seven of his last nine runs and winning four. He drops back in grade after finishing fifth in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m).
“He’s been a phenomenal revelation,” Hilton said.
“We’ve stretched him out in distance which has been the making of him.
“He ran really well in the Doncaster but was crucified with the bad gate (12) and we had to go back.
“I thought he ran a tremendous race with no luck and no speed which worked against him as well.
“On paper, he’s got one of the best formlines in the race.”
Nash Rawiller will make his Rockhampton debut aboard Sandpaper, while Ash Morgan continues his association with Iowna Merc.
Also riding in Rockhampton for the first time will be Craig Williams, who partners Tony Gollan’s $12 chance Comrade Rosa.