With a strong showing at Rosehill on Wednesday, Bjorn Baker’s stable is in fine form as he looks to continue his success at Randwick. His promising filly, Within The Law, aims to solidify her status as a top contender for the Golden Slipper this Saturday.
After securing victory in the $500,000 Inglis Nursery (1000m) in December, the two-year-old daughter of Lucky Vega has amassed impressive earnings. Her most recent runner-up finish in the Inglis Millennium (1100m) at Randwick has only heightened expectations.
She put in a strong finish, narrowly missing out to the Kris Lees-trained Rivellino. Both are set for another showdown in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m).
“She is going really well and has improved since last time,” Baker said.
“This will be a step up a test to see where we are at among the other fillies we have to be confident in her with the way she has been going.”
Despite drawing barrier 12, Baker remains optimistic, acknowledging that she will likely settle towards the back of the pack before making her run.
“We’re not too concerned about the gate as she will be coming home hard anyway.”
Within The Law achieved a peak Racing and Sports rating of 101 in December, though she still has ground to make up on Rivellino in ratings.
Bellazaine, winner of the Listed Lonhro Plate, shares favouritism with Snitzel Miss at $4, while Within The Law currently sits at $6 in betting markets.
Meanwhile, Arapaho faces a tough challenge in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m), taking on top competitors Via Sistina, Fangirl, and Ceolwulf. The eight-year-old, more suited to longer distances, is a $81 outsider for the race.
“This is too short for him, and he’s taking on those horses who are much more suited to it,” Baker said.
“But he is coming along well with the Tancred Stakes his main aim.”
Arapaho claimed victory in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) in March 2023 and finished seventh in this same race last year, then known as the Chipping Norton Stakes.
Currently, Arapaho is listed at $11 for the Tancred Stakes on March 29, with Dubai Honour leading the market as the $3.50 favourite.