Bjorn Baker got the monkey off his back for his new Sydney operation at Canterbury recently and is hoping to build on that city win at the same track on Wednesday.
Earlier this month three-year-old Havana Rey notched Baker’s first city winner since he relocated to Warwick Farm from New Zealand with a small team last year.
Baker is no stranger to big-race success in Australia having worked alongside his father Murray when the likes of Nom Du Jeu and Lion Tamer scored Derby wins in Sydney and Melbourne respectively.
Havana Rey’s Canterbury victory over 1550m followed a maiden success at Newcastle and he’ll step up in trip in the Australian Turf Club Handicap (1900m).
“It was very good to get that win in town, it had taken a little while,” Baker said.
“Now I’m starting to get settled here, I’ve got good staff and things are starting to roll a bit. I’m pretty happy how things are going at the moment and it’s great to be involved in Sydney racing.”
Baker prepares a team of 15 at Warwick Farm and is pleased with the way Havana Rey has progressed since his last-start victory.
“The step up to 1900 metres will suit him and he’s fit and well,” Baker said.
“He’s thrived and he’s drawn well in barrier five to go forward again tomorrow.
“Jimmy Cassidy rides him again and it’s great to have a jockey of his ability and experience on board.”
Dubbo-based jockey Kody Nestor is also looking forward to a return to Sydney competition with the ride on the Ross Simpson and Tracey Barnes-trained French Charge in the tabsportsbet Handicap (1550m).
The 21-year-old jockey, who has to limit his rides to 56kg and above, hasn’t ridden in Sydney this season but gets the chance on Wednesday after partnering French Charge to a Class 1 victory at Newcastle two starts back.
French Charge then won again at Canterbury on February 17 with Blake Shinn aboard.
“He’s an on-pace runner that does everything right, makes his own luck and is tough in the finish,” Nestor said.
“I couldn’t make his weight to ride him again last start at Canterbury but I saw the win and it was a similar field to what he’ll meet tomorrow.
“Barrier one is an advantage for him and I’m looking forward to it.”
AAP TURF
