Bjorn Baker has worked with Group One winners the ilk of Nom Du Jeu and Lion Tamer but admits to having a soft spot for stayer Mr Tipsy.
The seven-year-old will have just his second start for the Warwick Farm-based trainer in the Listed Scone Cup (1600m) on Friday but he’s a horse Baker knows well.
Baker spent several years honing his craft with his father, New Zealand trainer Murray Baker, before relocating to Australia last year and branching out on his own.
He was often the travelling foreman for his father’s international team and Mr Tipsy was a member of it several times, most notably when he finished third in the 2009 Sydney Cup.
“He’s a lovely horse, one of my old favourites and I’d love him to go well,” Bjorn Baker said.
“I’ve had a fair bit to do with him and he’s a really nice animal as well.”
Mr Tipsy won the Listed Karaka Classic (1600m) first-up in New Zealand last spring and has been set a similar task in the Scone Cup.
He has been given two 1200 metre barrier trials to prepare for his resumption but Baker would have liked to see a wet track, Mr Tipsy’s favoured conditions.
“Fresh up in this is a big ask but it was the only race we could kick him off in,” Baker said.
“He won fresh up last spring but it was a wet track and lesser grade.
“The horse is really well. It’s a pity it’s not a heavy track because he would have been half a chance.”
Mr Tipsy finished down the track in the Group Three Summer Cup (2400m) at Rosehill in December at his only start for Baker.
In hindsight, Baker said the gelding was probably feeling the effects of his New Zealand campaign and was ready for the spelling paddock.
Mr Tipsy, one of 13 acceptors for the Scone Cup, was a $14 chance with TAB Sportsbet on Wednesday.
Last start winner Lightinthenite is the early favourite at $3.20 ahead of another in-form galloper, Star Of Octagonal at $4.60.
Mr Tipsy will be one of two runners for Baker on the opening afternoon of the two-day Scone carnival with filly Strategic Royale to go around in the Inglis 2YO Challenge (1100m).
Baker will also saddle up a runner for his father on Saturday when the Murray Baker-trained Passilente tackles the Inglis 3YO Guineas (1400m).
