Lacking the sheer numbers and budget of Australia’s elite establishments, Bjorn Baker is nonetheless ready to make waves during Golden Slipper day at Rosehill.
Five runners from Baker grace four Group 1 races, with colts Warwoven and Paradoxium heading into the $5 million spectacle, joined by Pericles in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m), Stefi Magnetica for the Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and Green Spaces taking on the Rosehill Guineas (2000m).
Baker holds third place on the city trainers’ leaderboard, outpaced only by Chris Waller and Tulloch Lodge, while extending his stellar performance from last term—where Waller was his only superior in Sydney scorers.
“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.”
The George Ryder sees Pericles up against darling Autumn Glow, priced at a commanding $1.30 reminiscent of Winx, as Pericles lurks at $16 in third favouritism.
Since joining Baker, the Godolphin gelding has filled no worse than fourth in five appearances, his recent first-up triumph in Caulfield’s Futurity Stakes (1400m) promising more.
Baker stands firm, rejecting any early defeat against the benchmark setter for Pericles.
“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.”
Stefi Magnetica, last season’s Doncaster Mile winner, faces an uphill battle stretching to middle distances in the Ranvet for the first time.
She’ll demand fortune to surpass Aeliana and Sir Delius, according to Baker, who views her sharper than her Flemington All-Star Mile (1600m) seventh suggested.
“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.”
Baker supplements his Group 1 assault with four fillies and mares in the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m), eyeing success through Monte Supreme at $9.50.
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