The “autumn from hell” has continued for the Murray and Bjorn Baker stable with another of their stable stars ruled out of the Sydney autumn carnival.
New Zealand Derby placegetter On The Level, who was being aimed at the Group 1 AJC Australian Derby (2400m), has been ruled out with a bacterial infection.
Co-trainer Bjorn Baker is bitterly disappointed by the latest misfortune to hit his stable.
“It’s been the autumn from hell,” Baker said.
“We may head towards the Queensland Derby with him instead.”
The stable entered the autumn with high hopes but it has been anything but fruitful.
Their star filly We Can Say It Now started favourite in the Group 1 Australian Guineas (1600m), but could only manage 14th to Shamrocker.
She was subsequently retired.
Dominant Group 1 Victoria Derby (2500m) winner Lion Tamer was expected to play a big role in the classic races in Sydney this autumn.
Unfortunately, a number of small setbacks meant that he has been spelled with an eye on the Cups.
Caulfield Cup placegetter Harris Tweed was expected to play a part in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m) and Group 1 The BMW (2400m) but he required a wind operation following one run in New Zealand.
This was after his comeback was delayed when a float operator took him to the wrong racecourse accidentally.
Promising three year old Arakti broke down in the Group 1 International Stakes (2000m) in mid February.
The Baker stable has arguably been New Zealand’s most successful stable in Australia in recent times, most notably with horses such as Nom du Jeu, Harris Tweed, Mr Tipsy and Lion Tamer.
Written by Andrew Hawkins
