Racing
Baker to add his name to Derby honour roll
Bjorn Baker is drawing on a family history of classic success when he saddles up Green Spaces for the Group 1 $2 million ATC Australian Derby (2400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
His father, Murray Baker, is regarded as one of New Zealand's all-time great trainers and in a remarkable 12-year period he prepared five winners of the ATC Australian Derby – Quick Thinker (2020), Jon Snow (2017), Mongolian Khan (2015), It's A Dundeel (2013) and Nom De Jeu (2008).Since the Derby was first run in 1861, the only trainer to have a better record in the Randwick three-year-old classic is the legendary Tommy Smith with nine wins.
"With the five Derby winners Murray had, I had a fair bit to do with them as most stayed with me at Warwick Farm.
"The only Derby winner that didn't was Nom Du Je who was the first horse I travelled to 'Aussie' with when I was working with Murray.
"Although Murray's five winners had different programs, I definitely have an idea of what is needed to win the Derby.
"The bottom line is you have to make sure they are ready for a strong 2400m – that is the key.''
Godolphin has the two outstanding chances in the Derby with Green Spaces and the Ciaron Maher-trained Observer swapping favouritism all week.
In latest TAB Fixed Odds betting, Observer has gone back to the top of betting at $2.90 but Green Spaces is pressing at $3.40.
Both Godolphin colts clashed in their Derby lead-up, the Group 1 Rosehill Guineas (2000m) when leading Doncaster Mile hopeful Autumn Boy won easily with Green Spaces finishing fast for second just ahead of Observer.
Baker said Green Spaces's Guineas effort was vindication of the faith he has had in the colt since an impressive win in the Group 3 Spring Stakes at Newcastle back in November.
"Everything we have done with him since has been with the Derby in mind.
"His run in the Rosehill Guineas was excellent and his work since has been outstanding.
"Everything suggests he will get 2400m although it is easier said than done.
"But I am very happy with him, he galloped well Tuesday morning and Rachel (King, jockey) has plenty of confidence in him.''
Baker has winning chances in all four Group 1 races on Day One of The Championships including Godolphin warhorse Pericles in the $4 million Doncaster Mile (1600m).
"Pericles is in great order and his form is impeccable,'' Baker said.
"He has a bit of weight (57kg) in a tough race but I could not be happier with him.
"He's a genuine weight-for-age horses and carries weight well. He's a big, strong horse so from that point of view we are a chance.''
Pericles is at $15 for the Doncaster, a race where he ran second behind Celestial Legend two years ago.
Overpass ($12) ran second in the Group 1 TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) last year and Baker's evergreen rising eight-year-old is attempting to go one better in the feature $3 million sprint on Saturday.
"He has had a couple of trials and a gallop between races, and he worked well this morning so he's where we need him to be.
"His first-up run in The Everest last spring (fourth to Ka Ying Rising) was great and I think he's at the level so he's ready to run well.''
Baker is also bullish about the chances of Paradoxium ($9.50) and Rachini ($16) in the Group 1 $1 million Inglis Sires (1400m).
Paradoxium, brilliant winner of the Todman Stakes, had been favourite for the Golden Slipper before he drew barrier 15. The colt enduring a tough run before finishing 11th to Guest House.
Unfortunately, Paradoxium has again drawn the outside barrier (14) but Baker is still upbeat about the young sprinter.
"I still thought he ran 'huge' in the Slipper and he's trained on well since. We just have to hope he can get across early.
"Rachini ($16) won well last start and that was over 1350m which will stand her in good stead.
"She's a Zoustar filly who is on an upward spiral, the 1400m suits her and she is not out of it.''
Baker is sending the John Singleton-owned Blue Door to the races for the first time but the filly was so impressive in a recent runaway barrier trial win she is rated a $5 chance in the Group 3 $250,000 Kindergarten Stakes (1100m).
Blue Door's stablemate Artaneous ($41) also goes to the Kindergarten while Baker has Horseshoe Hill ($8.50) in the closer, the Group 3 $250,000 PJ Bell Stakes (1200m).
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