Trainer Bjorn Baker is facing the difficult task of pitting two of his favoured horses, Pericles and Caballus, against each other in the upcoming Russell Balding Stakes.
“They both look fantastic, and they’ve both got good gates,” Baker commented.
“It’s a tough one. They’re two of my favourites, and there’s not too much between them. Caballus is coming out of the stronger race though, so maybe he’s got the slight push.”
Caballus finished seventh in the Everest (1200m) after a wide draw, beaten less than two and a half lengths. Pericles, meanwhile, worked home from the back in the Sydney Stakes (1200m) to finish just over two lengths behind Grafterburners.
The Baker trainees have drawn consecutive barriers, one and two, for Saturday’s contest. Pericles was also entered for the Damien Oliver (1400m) at Flemington but was scratched, despite drawing barrier three.
The low draws in both potential races made Baker’s decision-making process complex. However, the substantial $3 million prizemoney for the Russell Balding Stakes, significantly higher than the $500,000 offered in the Melbourne race, was a decisive factor.
“Funnily enough, he hasn’t drawn well his first two runs this preparation and he drew excellent in both Sydney and Melbourne. Murphy’s Law,” Baker said.
“I guess the prizemoney is so good. He’s got a good gate and he’s getting to his trip. He’s not out of it. From the 1300, gates are crucial, and he’ll be able to put himself midfield, maybe just in front of there, and hopefully gets every chance. Caballus was fantastic in the Everest. If he didn’t get held up on the corner, he would have been a touch closer. He’s going very well too.”
Adding to Baker’s strong hand, Within The Law is set to compete in the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m). Her first-up run, a fifth-place finish in the Silver Eagle (1300m), was a promising indication of form.
While Sheza Alibi is the dominant favourite, Baker expressed confidence in Within The Law’s chances from barrier three.
“You can’t go into a race like this confident, but I think she will run well and if she runs up to her best, she’s not out of being a place chance for sure,” Baker stated.
“I guess the big thing is she’s got a great gate. She might need a little bit of luck because she does tend to get back, but she was very good first-up and she should be well set second-up to go to the 1500.”
For those interested in betting, compare the latest racing odds for the Russell Balding Stakes across various bookmakers.
