Having twice finished behind The Budgiesmugla in stakes races over the winter, the talented stayer So You Are finally enjoyed success in the Drinkwise Cup at Randwick.
So You Are ($3) raced in a handy position throughout the Listed race on Saturday and found himself in front before the corner, continuing strongly to the line to win by 1-3/4 lengths. Fernao ($6.50) secured second place, with Amplify ($7.50) a further half-neck adrift.
The favourite, Thebudgiesmugla ($2.90), did not seem to favour the firm track conditions, finishing fourth.
A recent transfer to the Bjorn Baker stable, So You Are is campaigned by the Ramsey family, including Stuart Ramsey, a long-time supporter of the yard.
“When I first came over he was one of the first people to give me a horse, so to win a good race like this at Randwick is very special,” Baker said.
“I’ve only had him for the two starts. I’ve been very lucky to get a readymade horse and he’s fairly bombproof.
“It worked out really well today. We were able to put him up there.”
Thebudgiesmugla had been seeking to maintain its perfect 2400m record in the Drinkwise Cup, and while it sustained its first defeat over the distance in six starts, Baker believed it had valid excuses.
“He was okay. Just the firm track, he’s going to be better (on softer ground),” he commented.
“He’s going to improve off that, and I wouldn’t be too worried going forward with him. Maybe the race shape worked against him a bit today.”
Both horses are expected to progress further into the carnival, although Baker is content to maintain flexibility regarding their future assignments.
He mentioned that the Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick and The Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington, both on October 3, would be considered for the pair.
“We’ll have a think about it and weigh it up,” Baker added.
“The ‘Metrop’ is definitely an option. A race like The Bart Cummings as well. Even the St Leger here on Everest day.”
So You Are’s victory was Baker’s first Sydney Saturday metropolitan winner of the current season, following a string of minor placings to start the term.
Explore Australian betting sites for the upcoming major races to find competitive racing odds.
