Bjorn Baker will not be at Royal Randwick on Saturday but is set to field a strong team in the Listed Civic Stakes over 1400 metres.
While Baker has been at Royal Ascot preparing his stable star Overpass, who finished a commendable third in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1005m) on Tuesday night, the stable will still saddle up four runners for the Civic Stakes. A decision is yet to be made on whether Overpass will compete in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1207m) against Joliestar on Saturday night.
Racing manager Luke Hilton, responsible for the stable’s operations back home, confirmed that Hollywood Hero, Midnight Dynamite, Amor Victorious, and Point And Shoot are all scheduled to race this winter. “Hollywood Hero was really good the other day. He may need further again, but he was outstanding,” Hilton stated. He added, “Midnight Dynamite was really good the other day too.” Regarding Amor Victorious, Hilton noted, “Amor Victorious is coming back off a short let-up. He had a bit of a setback (after Scone) so he had a bit of a break, but he’s in good order now. He doesn’t love wet ground. If we can just not have really wet ground it will suit him.” Hilton also commented on Point And Shoot, saying, “With Point And Shoot, it depends which Point And Shoot turns up.”
Headley Grange’s victory in last year’s Civic Stakes preceded Group One success. Although the Baker quartet might not replicate that trajectory, the winter program presents numerous opportunities for them to claim stakes victories. “We’re going to roll through with all four of them. You’ve got the Winter Stakes, the Winter Challenge. Unfortunately they’ve probably all got to keep taking each other on, but it’s a good problem to have,” Hilton explained.
Hollywood Hero needs three scratchings to make the final 15-runner field, and Midnight Dynamite is the current market elect at $3.60, with Jason Collett booked from barrier eight. The Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) is set for Rosehill on July 4, and the Listed Winter Challenge (1500m) will be held at Rosehill on July 18.
Considering the competitive field, the racing betting markets are expected to be dynamic for the Civic Stakes.