By Craig Kerry
With his iconic Sydney race victory secured, Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker will look for a bonus win on day two of The Championships at Randwick on Saturday.
And he’s confident a handy gate and the memory of a nice backup run last preparation have Stefi Magnetica primed to deliver again.
Jason Collett riding Stefi Magnetica down the outside to win the Doncaster Mile last Saturday.Credit: Getty Images
Baker scored an emotional first Doncaster Mile triumph last Saturday when jockey Jason Collett delivered on Stefi Magnetica in the $4 million handicap race.
The victory capped a breakout season for Baker, who has 69 winners city winners at a leading strike rate of 21.6 per cent. He sits second only to Chris Waller (104).
“It was a big thrill, we needed a big win over the Championships, so it was fantastic,” Baker said.
Baker has chosen the group 1 mares race over the mile, the $1 million Queen Of The Turf on Saturday, as the final target for Stefi Magnetica this preparation after having considered a two-week break and a run in the All Aged Stakes.
Bjorn Baker lifts jockey Jason Coillett after their Doncaster Mile win.Credit: Getty Images
She was a $5 chance with Sportsbet with a draw in gate four in the 12-horse field, where Fangirl was the $1.95 favourite.
“It’s a great gate for her,” Baker said.
“She’s looks to have come through the run really well. She backed up last year after the Golden Eagle in the Champions Mile, and she went really well that day, so from that point of view we were really comfortable, and she’s ready to go.
“And of course, she ran well at Randwick on Saturday, so she’s definitely in the race.”
‘It was a big thrill, we needed a big win over the Championships.’
Bjorn Baker on his success in the Doncaster Mile
Stefi Magnetica looked a good thing beaten, stuck behind a wall of horses, when fifth in the $10 million Golden Eagle in the spring. She was then a length behind Mr Brightside when fourth in the Champions Mile at Flemington a week later.
Beyond Saturday, Baker was eyeing more rich features in the spring with his now two-time group 1 winner.
“There was a bit of thinking that we may well head back to Brisbane, but now she’s won the Doncaster, she’ll more than likely go for a break after Saturday,” he said.
“She could still have a good break, and then we’ll probably look at the [$5 million] King Charles on Everest Day in the spring.”
Also on Saturday, Baker has consistent performer Arapaho, a $20 hope from gate 12, in the $2 million Sydney Cup (3200m) with Rachel King to ride.
“He’s going great. His runs have all been fantastic,” he said.
“He ran fourth in the Sydney Cup two years ago. That day they went pretty quick up front and he was right there, so we may just look to ride him a little bit colder.”
Within The Law returns three weeks after her spectacular fall through the inside rail at the back of the field in the Golden Slipper to race in the $1 million group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m).
Baker said a cut from the fall had healed well and the Sweet Embrace Stakes winner was ready to bounce back.
Jason Collett after winning the Doncaster Mile aboard Stefi Magnetica.Credit: Getty Images
“She galloped really well Tuesday morning, and she trialled well last week,” Baker said.
“We were pretty confident going into the Slipper, and then, of course, the wide gate worked against her, and it didn’t work out well, but I’m confident.
“She’s got a really good gate, so she doesn’t have to get all the way back, and she’s definitely got the ability to be right in the finish.”
He also has Wellington Boot runner-up Alabama Charm ($101) in the race.
“No doubt she’s going to have to improve a fair margin, stepping up to this grade,” he said.
“But she’s rock-hard fit and well, and if she gets back and they go quick enough up front, she’s not completely out of it.”
Another horse stepping up for Baker is former Chris Waller-trained colt Imperial Force, a $285,000 buy for Darby Racing which has won his past two starts in benchmark grade. He was a $23 chance in the group 2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint.
“His trial was excellent last week, and I think he’s improved again,” he said.
“He’s going to need to be, but he’s got a great gate, he’ll be able to put himself there with no pressure, and I couldn’t be happier with how he’s going. I really believe he’s a knockout chance.”
