Fresh off a feature success in The Invitation with his Group 1 winning mare Stefi Magnetica, Warwick Farm-based conditioner Bjorn Baker is out for more riches when he lines up Mayfair, and possibly Perfumist, in next weekend’s $10 million Golden Eagle at Royal Randwick.
Baker had been experiencing a frustrating carnival so far. Overpass ran a gallant fourth in The Everest, Pericles another to just miss the placings in the King Charles III Stakes. Iowna Merc just ran into one better in the Sydney Stakes while Mayfair placed in the Silver Eagle and Perfumist produced another solid run without saluting in the Angst Stakes. To say he was due was an understatement.
Stefi Magnetica put that all aside when she ran down Gerringong in the $2 million The Invitation on Saturday and Baker is hoping his luck has turned now as he heads towards next Saturday’s main event.
Formerly trained by the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott partnership, Mayfair is a new addition to the Baker stable with him running third in the Silver Eagle in his first outing for the Kiwi-born trainer and picking up $96,000 in the process.
“He was a very astute online purchase by Darby Racing, I think around the $200,000 mark” Baker said.
“He’s already guaranteed a spot in the field and Dylan Gibbons will ride.”
Whilst his other runner Perfumist currently sits equal 41st on the ballot, Baker is optimistic his daughter of El Roca can also gain a start.
“She’s ready to go and hopefully a few above us on the order drop out of the running,” Baker said.
“There are a few others ahead of us that ran yesterday and maybe they won’t back up.
“Rachel King will ride if she gets a run.”
Both Mayfair and Perfumist currently sit on the $26 quote in futures betting for the 1500m highlight.
