Currently sitting second on the Sydney metropolitan trainer’s premiership, Warwick Farm-based trainer Bjorn Baker is in a rich vein of form of late with four winners (31%) and a further two placings (46%) from his past 13 runners. He hopes to keep the ball rolling with a slew of gallopers nominated for Villiers Stakes day at Royal Randwick this weekend.
Perhaps his best chance on the ten-race card is his consistent gelding Edison who is set to line up in the Listed Razor Sharp Handicap over 1200m. The Fastnet Rock five-year-old is second-up after finishing seventh in the Listed Starlight Stakes when resuming, and Baker will use this race as a springboard for the lucrative Magic Millions carnival on the Gold Coast early next month.
“He was very good first-up, probably much better than the result suggests,” Baker said.
“The 1200m at Randwick will suit him more than the 1100m at Rosehill.
“I think he’s back in form and if he runs well we’ll be looking at getting him up to the Gold Coast.”
The Group 2 Villiers Stakes is the headline act this Saturday with Baker having three gallopers nominated, although it will probably come down to his The Factor gelding Fun Fact to fly the flag for the in-form stable.
The six-year-old has done a wonderful job for connections amassing nearly $800,000 in earnings, and is another aiming up for the Magic Millions carnival in January.
“He’s mixing his form, the last couple he hasn’t fired at all, but he’s much better than that,” Baker said.
“It’s going to be a tough race, but as much as anything it’s about getting his fitness up for the Magic Millions race.”
The Benchmark 88 Handicap over the mile sees Baker’s runner Parry Sound nominated, and the Pierro gelding will strip fitter second-up from a four month spell. The six-year-old has done a good job without winning since joining the Baker camp, placing six from eight starts, and Baker is hopeful he can finally get into the winner’s circle.
“I’m really happy with how he’s going, first-up he was good,” Baker said.
“Randwick suits him better and we’ll get some weight off with Jenny Duggan on board.”
Real Impact gelding Dynamic Impact is down to contest the Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1400m, and the four-year-old is looking to make it three wins on the bounce to kick off this preparation.
“I’m really excited about him, I think he’s going super,” Baker enthused.
“His win last time was good and his first-up win was outstanding. Josh Parr with ride him and I think he’s going really really well.”
As to Baker currently sitting second on the metropolitan trainer’s premiership, he is fully aware of the task ahead.
“I’ve just got to try and stay there, but that’s easier said than done.”
