It’s been a tough few months for trainer Bjorn Baker who is looking to Mr Tipsy to start an upward curve as he tries to establish himself in Sydney.
Operating in partnership with his father Murray in New Zealand for three seasons, he was immediately exposed to success at the highest level in Australia with horses such as Derby winners Nom Du Jeu and Lion Tamer.
Bjorn Baker decided to set up on his own in Sydney at the start of this season and established himself at Warwick Farm.
The family ties are strong and veteran stayer Mr Tipsy has been sent over from New Zealand for the Group Three Summer Cup (2400m) at Rosehill on Boxing Day when he will race in Bjorn Baker’s name.
“Mr Tipsy is a grand old horse and very much a stable favourite,” Baker said.
“The past few months have been a battle. I had one horse break a pelvis and he’s out for another few months yet.
“I’m very much enjoying being here but it would be nice to get on a roll with a few winners.
“Hopefully Mr Tipsy can start that.
“I think he’s been unlucky not to get a Group win in Australia and he deserves one.
“Hopefully it comes on Monday. I think it is a winnable race for him.”
A seasoned traveller, Mr Tipsy arrived in Sydney at the weekend fit and well for his Rosehill assignment.
The seven-year-old’s best result in Australia so far was his third in the 2009 Sydney Cup won by Ista Kareem.
He also ran third in the Moonee Valley Night Cup earlier this year.
Hugh Bowman, who won the 2010 Victoria Derby on Lion Tamer, will be aboard for the Summer Cup.
Mr Tipsy will travel back across the Tasman in the next few weeks but Baker hopes his form warrants at least one more Australian start in the Gosford Cup on January 12.
The death of Lion Tamer following an injury in the Cox Plate was another downer for Baker who was the travelling handler for the New Zealand stable’s horses until his recent move.
“It was just such a terrible thing,” Baker said.
The winner of nine races from 1580 to 2400 metres, Mr Tipsy was one of 15 entries for the Summer Cup on Monday.
Among them was Victorian Full Peal, the winner of his past five starts in his home state including his only two in Saturday metropolitan class.
Trained by Bill and Symon Wilde at Warrnambool, Full Peal is also entered for a 2000m race at Caulfield on Monday.
AAP TURF
