Baker cooks up memorable G1 Doncaster Mile win

Bjorn Baker reached new career heights on Saturday as Stefi Magnetica gave him a long-awaited win in the iconic Doncaster Mile at Randwick, overcoming an emotional day filled with personal meaning.

The $4 million Group 1 success brought tears to the usually upbeat trainer, especially as the race took place on a day his father Murray Baker had famously dominated in years past.

“Hay fever. It’s very bad at this time of year,” the New Zealand-born Baker quipped as he fought back tears.

“I remember when Murray actually won with Nom Du Jeu and Chris Waller won his first Group One in the Doncaster that day (with Triple Honour).

“There is one bloke who will be happier for me and he’s been the biggest influence in my career, Murray, and he would be very, very proud.

“He is still giving me a bit of advice about how we could have ridden a couple of the others better or what I should have done, but it’s so special. He loves it, he has always loved Australian racing and I’m lucky to be a part of it.”

After two modest runs this prep, including a forgettable effort in the George Ryder Stakes, Stefi Magnetica bounced back, charging home from a midfield position under Jason Collett to defeat Royal Patronage by a head. Encap grabbed third a half-neck away at big odds.

“Jason Collett, he’s a bit like me, we needed a big one during The Championships. It’s very, very special,” Baker said.

“Last time I was a tad disappointed with her and it just worked out great (on Saturday). She drew a gate today, Jason (turned in a) great ride, and she’s tough. We know she performs third-up.”

Baker is currently enjoying one of his best seasons to date, sitting third in the Sydney trainers’ title and collecting major wins along the way, including the Stradbroke Handicap and Brisbane Cup.

“I’m very lucky, I’m having some good days. Even Stefi Magnetica winning the Stradbroke and then winning the Brisbane Cup (with Alegron),” Baker said.

“At the end of the day it’s an iconic Sydney race and I had to win an Iconic Sydney race – I’d won a Winx Stakes, I’d won a Tancred – but that’s what makes it special.”

Collett said the slow pace of the Doncaster suited the mare perfectly, and once she let down, the result was never in doubt.

“Most of that race they went a very slow tempo but I was in the right spot and her turn of foot was electric,” Collett said.

He also shared a light-hearted moment from the mounting yard.

“Bjorn just said, ‘get to the fence, but not like you did in the Slipper’,” Collett said.

Favourite Linebacker ($5.50) had a tough trip after missing the start but still impressed Zac Lloyd with his run.

“Probably the best horse in the race, he just never executed,” Lloyd said.