Bjorn Baker looks to have a promising juvenile on his books after Overpass made light of a tough run to outclass his rivals in the opening race on Gosford’s stand-alone program.
After struggling to muster speed from an outside draw, Overpass ($2.70 fav) went back in the field but finding himself camped wide, jockey Josh Parr sooled him forward mid-race to within striking distance of the leaders.
The youngster was entitled to tire but instead, he balanced up for home and accelerated down the outside to post a 1-1/4 length win over Conexy ($10) with Sweet Ruby ($8) third.
It was the third win in succession for the Vancouver two-year-old and Baker will now look to raise the bar to stakes company in Brisbane.
“I thought it was a massive win today, caught deep. It didn’t work out with looking to be positive, but he just didn’t have that gate speed and he looks like he’s going to get over further as well. Really big win,” Baker said.
“You’ve got to look at Queensland, we might do a little winter sojourn up there.”
Baker said Overpass had poor manners when he arrived at the stable and he didn’t expect the horse to progress so rapidly this preparation.
“He was colty, he did a lot wrong and he was hard to manage,” Baker said.
“As he’s raced and got deeper into his preparation, he’s just switching off, he’s relaxing and he’s a gentleman at home now and he just keeps raising the bar.”
The victory was extra special for Parr, who lives on the NSW Central Coast and was thrilled to get on the board early at his local track with his young family trackside to support him.
“I’ve been really excited about this week. I’m really proud of the Central Coast and I’m proud to be a resident of the Central Coast and somewhat an ambassador,” Parr said.
“This is a big moment for the people of the Central Coast, witnessing a Saturday class meeting here at Gosford.”
Baker nominated the Group 2 BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes (1400m) at Eagle Farm on May 29 as a possible carnival target for Overpass.
