Bjorn Baker likely to keep Iowna Merc at home rather than Standish Handicap

While a final decision is yet to be made, Bjorn Baker is leaning to running in form gelding Iowna Merc in a benchmark 100 at Wyong over 1350m, rather than the Group 3 Standish Handicap (1200m) at Flemington.

While Baker admits 1350m is a query for the son of Winning Rupert, a last start winner of the Listed Canterbury Sprint (1200m), he believes the tight turning Wyong track could play into his hands.

“I’ll probably go to Wyong, it’s a risk at 1350 (metres), (but) it’s just a smaller race. He’s going really well and he’s got a really good turn of foot so we’ll be able to ride him dead cold and maybe just get to the right part of the track,” Baker said.

“I’m yet to talk to Darby Racing but we’ll probably just discuss it this afternoon and go from there. But he’s going really well, he’s always shown a lot of ability, and I just think it’s probably a little bit less of a risk going to Wyong and Wyong’s a little bit like Canterbury last time as well, we’ll be able to get cover and get the outside.”

Iowna Merc has won his last two starts and is favourite for the benchmark 100 with Ashley Morgan keeping the ride and will head a strong contingent of runners for Baker at Wyong, who will also be represented by race favourite Robusto and Highlights in the $500,000 The Lakes (1600m).

“Robusto’s flying, he was very good in The Buffering last time he’s probably the form horse in The Lakes. Bit of an awkward gate but he’s very well,” Baker said.

“I’ve got Highlights as a nice backup for him too, he’s got no weight, he’s got a good gate and he’ll roll forward. So, two really good chances in the Lakes and I think if Robusto runs up to his last two, he’s going to be awfully hard to beat.”

In what could be a big day for the stable, Baker will also saddle up the early favourite in the opener, a two-year-old contest over 1200m with Namaste, a colt by Savabeel.

“(Namaste) was an expensive horse in New Zealand last year. I think the 1200 (metres) will suit him, he’s a really good looking son of Savabeel. Drawn Gate 5 with Adam Hyeronimus and I think he’s a really promising horse so he’s got a good future,” Baker said.