Stablemates Soldier Of Love and Kiss The Bride have put themselves in the frame for the Rosehill Gold Cup after strong performances at Randwick.
Soldier Of Love appreciated a drop in grade to win Saturday’s The Star Mile (1600m) with Kiss The Bride a solid third and trainer Bjorn Baker said both could press on to the $750,000 Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m) in two weeks.
The winner had finished unplaced at his previous two starts in Group company, but a return to Randwick and a soft track were in his favour.
“He likes it wet and he loves Randwick,” Baker said.
“This horse just keeps raising the bar and the better the odds the better he goes.”
Soldier Of Love ($12) defeated $2.50 favourite High Supremacy, who appeared to have every chance to run him down, with Kiss The Bride ($7) a close up third..
Baker was equally happy with the effort of the minor placegetter, who will be suited by a 400 metre distance rise at Rosehill.
“He went super too. He’s on target for the Rosehill Gold Cup in a couple of weeks,” Baker said.
“He’ll get in placed on the minimum.”
Soldier Of Love is a winner up to 1900 metres and is almost certain to follow the same path as his stablemate after his Randwick effort.
“He’s game and he’s tough as teak,” Baker said.
“We might have to have a look at the 2000 metre race with him too in a couple of weeks.
“You only live once and you’ve got to have a crack.”
