Bjorn Baker might operate without the extensive stable sizes or financial muscle of Australia’s premier outfits, yet he’s poised to compete fiercely on Golden Slipper day at Rosehill.
Baker boasts five entrants across four Group 1 fixtures, highlighted by colts Warwoven and Paradoxium in the $5 million centrepiece, alongside Pericles for the George Ryder Stakes (1500m), Stefi Magnetica in the Ranvet Stakes (2000m), and Green Spaces contesting the Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
Third on the metropolitan trainers’ premiership, Baker trails exclusively Chris Waller and Tulloch Lodge, sustaining his remarkable form from the prior season when Waller alone produced more Sydney winners.
“Compared to the big stables and big bloodstock agents, we’re at a much lower level in terms of numbers and quality, so to get two runners in the Golden Slipper is really a dream,” Baker said this week.
“It’s very much about small steps to get into these races. Even when I came here (from his native New Zealand), you’ve got to start winning races and slowly building quality up.
“Two runners in the race suggests we’re going in the right direction.”
Pericles squares off against the hot property Autumn Glow in the George Ryder Stakes, with the mare favoured at $1.30 in Winx territory, and Pericles listed at $16 in the next betting group.
Baker’s Godolphin gelding boasts consistency, never worse than fourth in five starts, bolstered by a strong return win in the Futurity Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield recently.
Baker remains confident and unwilling to concede despite the favourite’s dominance in Pericles’s path.
“You’ve got to back yourself. You’re in the wrong game if you want to put the white flag up every time there is a superstar,” Baker said.
“If there is ever a horse that is capable of knocking off a superstar, it’s Pericles. He’s got an exceptional record.”
The Doncaster Mile titleholder Stefi Magnetica attempts a new voyage at middle distances in the Ranvet, a formidable proposition.
Baker concedes luck is essential to beat Aeliana and Sir Delius, but insists her preparation exceeds her prior seventh in the All-Star Mile (1600m) at Flemington.
“It was hard to get a line in Melbourne. It didn’t work out, it was a very firm track, and second-up she can be a little bit vulnerable as well,” Baker said.
“It’s going to be a tough race with Sir Delius and Aeliana and co, so she is going to need to get a good run in transit and have everything go her way, but she’s in good order.”
Complementing the Group 1 efforts, Baker has four fillies and mares lined up in the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m), with Monte Supreme his best shot at $9.50.
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