Bjorn Baker is keen to get some results on the board for high-profile syndicators Highclere Thoroughbreds, starting at the first metropolitan meeting of the new racing season.
Highclere has enjoyed great success internationally and its director, John Warren, has some top-end clients, including The Queen for whom he is a bloodstock advisor.
It is little wonder Baker is hoping well-bred Highclere-owned colt Edison can make an immediate impression for connections when he resumes in the 2019 Owners Awards Handicap (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday.
“I’m very lucky to have a horse for Highclere. I’ve got two for them, this one and a horse called Contango who I think is a nice horse as well,” Baker said.
“They’ve got a lot of good horses and they’ve got a really good presence both here and in Europe so it’s exciting for me.”
A son of Fastnet Rock, Edison finished a narrow second to Belitsa at his only start in February.
He holds a nomination for the Group One Golden Rose and while that might be a pipedream, his performance on Saturday will determine the road Baker takes this spring.
“He’s got a presence, he’s got plenty of quality and I’d like to think if he can run well on Saturday, he’ll go on to better things,” Baker said.
“He’s only coming into this with the one trial, which is a bit of a question mark, but he’s done plenty of work and we’ve kept on top of him.
“He’s a really nice horse and I’ve got a lot of time for him.”
Kerrin McEvoy has been booked to partner Edison on Saturday after returning to Sydney racing earlier this week following a brief hiatus which included a riding stint in England.
Baker is also upbeat about the chances of Missybeel when she steps up to 1800 metres in the Dixie Blossoms Special Achievement Handicap.
The mare is ready to peak after three runs from a spell, the latest when she missed a place behind Saturday’s rival and early favourite Light Exceed at Canterbury.
“She’s rock-hard fit and her last run at Canterbury, she had excuses,” Baker said.
“I think she gets into the race really well, she’s down in the weights and I think she’s looking for the 1800 metres, so she’s a good each-way chance.”
