Bjorn Baker is banking on a rain-affected track and low barrier draw helping She’s Ideel to go one better than her second to Sir Dragonet in last year’s $1.5 million Tancred Stakes.
The mare finished 2-1/4 lengths astern of the winner on a good surface in the corresponding race 12 months ago when she settled in the second half of the field from an awkward gate.
From barrier two at Rosehill on Saturday and with the track set to be soft at best, Baker is hoping She’s Ideel can finally land the knockout punch in a Group 1.
“It’s not easy though. Duais is on the rise and you’ve still got Think It Over and Spanish Mission, so it’s definitely not an easy race but she is well and she runs well at Rosehill too,” Baker said.
She’s Ideel narrowly missed claiming the scalp of Verry Elleegant when edged out by the reigning Horse Of The Year in the Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) two starts ago.
She never threatened back on a firm surface when down the track in the Australian Cup (2000m) at Flemington last time out, but Baker believes she will relish a distance rise to 2400m.
“I think we have to forgive the run in Melbourne when she just never got in the race,” he said.
“Her work has been good, she seems bright and I’m looking forward to the weekend.
“Up to 2400 suits and she’s got a good base.”
Pending her performance in the Tancred Stakes, She’s Ideel could progress to next month’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes, or be freshened for a tilt at the Brisbane winter carnival.
Baker has also been accommodating New Zealand visitor The Chosen One for his father, fellow trainer Murray Baker and won’t be surprised to see him run a cheeky race in the Tancred.
“He galloped really well on Tuesday morning,” Bjorn Baker said.
“I was thrilled with what I saw and he looks magnificent, he has never looked better. He is rock-hard fit too.
“His best form is probably on top of the ground, but I think he’s going really well.”
