Trainer Bjorn Baker will be chasing his first city win since relocating from New Zealand when Sharp Princess runs at Rosehill on Saturday.
Baker is no stranger to success in Australia having claimed Group One races with the likes of Derby winners Nom Du Jeu and Lion Tamer while working with his trainer father Murray.
In July last year he moved to Sydney and set up a permanent base at Warwick Farm.
While the winners haven’t been as prolific as he is used to at home, Baker says the past six months have been great experience.
“I am enjoying it,” Baker said.
“The winners haven’t been flowing as much as I’d like but it takes time.
“It’s been a great learning curve the past six months.”
Among the horses on his books is Sharp Princess who will step out in Saturday’s JB (Barry) Maher Memorial Handicap (1500m) with apprentice Shaun Guymer to ride.
A handy stakes performer in New Zealand, her runs there include a second to subsequent Queensland Oaks winner Scarlett Lady at Listed level in April.
She arrived at Baker’s stable late last year and finished down the track at her Australian debut in the Hawkesbury Gold Cup.
Baker gave the mare a short break and she returned with an encouraging fourth to New Day Rising over 1400m at Rosehill last month.
“Her first run was a pretty big ask. She’d just arrived from New Zealand and it was a tough race,” Baker said.
“Her last run was good. She had only had the one trial going into it.
“It’s a touch further on Saturday. We claim three (kilos) so she should be more competitive.
“The blinkers go on too.”
Sharp Princess will also meet New Day Rising six kilos better at the weights for finishing four lengths behind him last start.
She has drawn well in barrier three, directly inside the in-form Alma’s Fury who is unbeaten in two runs this campaign.
TAB Sportsbet had Sharp Princess at $10 on Thursday with New Day Rising the $2.60 favourite.
The Chris Waller-trained Tromso was on the second line of betting at $4.60, just ahead of Alma’s Fury at $5.
AAP TURF
