Bragging rights will be up for grabs in the Group Three Frank Packer Plate at Randwick with father and son trainers Murray and Bjorn Baker saddling up rival runners.
It is not the first time the pair have gone head-to-head in a race but that has not stopped Bjorn Baker from stoking up some friendly family rivalry.
The Warwick Farm trainer will start $17 chance Fun Fact and if his three-year-old can upset second favourite The Chosen One, who Murray Baker prepares in partnership with Andrew Forsman in New Zealand, he admits it will be something special.
“It would be, and I’ll be reminding him about it a lot if we can do it,” Bjorn Baker said.
“We haven’t actually had too many runners in the same race, or not too many of note.
“The Chosen One is going to be hard to beat. He’s going really well and his last run was excellent in the Derby.”
The Chosen One came from last on the turn to finish fourth behind Angel Of Truth in the Australian Derby and while he drops back in distance, he has a Group Three win in New Zealand over Saturday’s 2000 metres.
Fun Fact is extending to the distance for the first time but will strip fitter for his seventh to Ringerdingding in the Carbine Club Stakes two weeks ago, his first run for a month.
In a busy afternoon, Bjorn Baker will also start Champagne Cuddles in the Group One All Aged Stakes, Test The World, who will be on trial for a Brisbane winter carnival campaign when she resumes in the Ranvet Power Formula Sprint (1200m), and Music Magnate and Redouble in the Group Three Hall Mark Stakes (1200m).
Seven-year-old Music Magnate was a respectable fourth in the Star Kingdom Stakes last start and will appreciate a return to a dry track.
“The last two times he hasn’t been suited by the wet tracks so back on top of the ground and from a soft gate, he’ll put himself in the right spot,” Baker said.
Redouble is having his first start since winning the Magic Millions Cup at the Gold Coast in January and despite being long odds, Baker says he is not without a chance.
“The 1200 might be a bit sharp from the wide gate but he’s a good horse on his day, he’s had a good break since the Magic Millions and his form is pretty good when you look back through it,” Baker said
