In-form Baker hoping Championships Cup runneth over

Following in the footsteps of his legendary father Murray, Bjorn Baker is hoping Arapaho can bring him Sydney Cup success in the 3200m feature this Saturday. Murray Baker, famed for his staying stars, claimed the 1992 edition of the race with My Eagle Eye.

Bjorn is already enjoying a successful autumn after Stefi Magnetica’s Doncaster Mile win and is looking to keep the momentum going with a strong contingent at Randwick, including entries in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) and Sydney Cup.

“They need to be fit as much as anything,” Baker said. “So it was just to give them a good base and have them fit and they’ve got to be relaxed during the run too, which is key.”

Arapaho heads into the Sydney Cup in consistent form, having finished second to Vauban in the Sky High Stakes and fourth behind Dubai Honour in the Tancred Stakes. His attempts over the two-mile trip have yielded mixed outcomes, including a fourth-place finish in last year’s Cup and a midfield result in the 2022 Melbourne Cup.

“Two miles is a bit of a question mark,” Baker said. “But we’re happy with him. He ran really well in the Tancred so we’re hoping it works out.”

Stefi Magnetica is aiming to do the double after her Doncaster success. She has a history of performing well on the quick back-up, finishing just behind Mr Brightside in the Champions Mile after the Golden Eagle last spring.

“We know she performs well on the back-up. She went to the Champions Mile after the Golden Eagle last year and was very good that day,” said Baker. “She has got a good gate to help on Saturday as well, gate four, so she should be able to put herself right there and we couldn’t be happier with the way she has come through.”

Baker is also optimistic about Within The Law, who will return in the Percy Sykes Stakes after her dramatic exit in the Golden Slipper. “She’s in great order, thankfully, and she trialled well last week,” he said.

His Randwick team also features Alabama Charm, Imperial Force in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint, and Queues Likely contesting the Sapphire Stakes.