Baker pair ready to ‘owna The Archer
Bjorn Baker’s team didn’t expect to be targeting Rockhampton’s richest race, but Iowna Merc and Sandpaper have earned their places in Sunday’s $1 million The Archer.
The 1300m event, in its fourth year, honours a local 1800s racing icon and this year sees the Baker-trained pair at the head of betting, with Iowna Merc at $4 and Sandpaper close behind at $4.80.
“It’s not an easy race – there isn’t any,” racing manager Luke Hilton said.
Hilton was quick to highlight Sandpaper’s excellent form, which includes a win in the Group 3 Newcastle Stakes and a solid effort at Randwick after a tough Doncaster Prelude run.
“Sandpaper is coming off a good win and he’s had a long preparation,” he said. “He’s been a revelation in his first preparation for us after Darby Racing bought him online.”
Iowna Merc, another Darby Racing product, has continued to impress with consistent performances and a standout fifth in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m).
“He’s been a phenomenal revelation,” Hilton said. “We’ve stretched him out in distance which has been the making of him.
“He ran really well in the Doncaster but was crucified with the bad gate (12) and we had to go back.
“I thought he ran a tremendous race with no luck and no speed which worked against him as well.
“On paper, he’s got one of the best formlines in the race.”
Nash Rawiller takes his first Rockhampton ride on Sandpaper, while Ash Morgan continues his partnership with Iowna Merc.
Craig Williams is also making his Rockhampton debut, booked to ride $12 outsider Comrade Rosa for Tony Gollan.
More Racing News
War Machine to target the 2026 Australia Stakes
Top-class sprinter War Machine will resume in the Group 2 Australia Stakes (1200m) at Pakenham on Friday night as connections eye a strong autumn campaign. The race, traditionally held at Moonee Valley, has been moved due to redevelopment works and shapes as an ideal launchpad for the Lindsay Park galloper. War Machine...
2026 Golden Slipper Stakes favourite Incognito nearing return to the races
The absence of Incognito from the Magic Millions 2YO Classic did little to dent his standing in Golden Slipper markets, with the colt edging closer to a raceday return. Michael Freedman elected to sidestep the Gold Coast feature with the $1 million purchase, instead opting for a controlled trial as the...
Antino to target 2026 Queen Elizabeth Stakes in the Autumn
A strong trial session at Deagon on Tuesday will be highlighted by the return of Antino as Tony Gollan begins plotting another autumn campaign for the talented gelding. Antino has not raced since his disappointing effort in the Group 1 Cox Plate, where he finished last after failing to fire on...
Torque To Be Sure breaks maiden in 2026 Magic Millions Guineas, survives protest
Torque To Be Sure finally lived up to his promise with a breakthrough victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 3yo Guineas, though his success came with a nervous wait in the stewards’ room. The Matthew Dunn-trained gelding drifted under pressure in the closing stages, bumping race favourite Ninja as the...
Future History too strong in the 2026 January Cup
Future History showed his class and toughness when landing the $200,000 Listed January Cup at Rosehill, giving Ciaron Maher another feature race success. The eight-year-old almost didn’t take his place in the race after heavy rain downgraded the track, but connections elected to press on despite concerns about the conditions. Ridden positively...
Golden Slipper Stakes 2026 plans for Godolphin’s Outspan
The Godolphin-trained Outspan has thrust himself into Golden Slipper calculations after a commanding win at Rosehill on Saturday. After settling just behind the speed in the 1100m contest, the Michael Freedman-trained colt finished strongly to defeat Long Throw ($15) by 1-1/2 lengths, with Miss Chanel ($4.60) another half-length back. The performance marked...
Unit Five powers home in the 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Unit Five announced himself as a rising star with a powerful victory in the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic, overcoming far more seasoned rivals despite limited race experience. The Ciaron Maher-trained colt, ridden confidently by Thomas Stockdale, held off Tornado Valley by a length, with By Choice finishing just behind...
Big Sky surges into 2026 Blue Diamond Stakes calculations
Big Sky’s dominant debut at Flemington has propelled him straight into calculations for the Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), giving Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr the top two runners in early betting. The Bivouac colt overcame a wide draw in the TAB We’re On (1000m), travelling strongly under Jordan...
Mile no issue for Merrigold in 2026 Vobis Gold Distaff
Trainer John Sadler admitted a touch of stubbornness delayed Merrigold’s step up to 1600 metres, but the mare made him look wise with a dominant Flemington victory. The five-year-old was having her first start beyond 1400 metres and handled the rise in distance with ease when taking out the Vobis Gold...
Tony Gollan’s two-year-old Itching To Go in 2026 Magic Millions Classic
Tony Gollan is leaning on a proven strategy as Itchintogo lines up on a seven-day backup in the Magic Millions 2yo Classic (1200m) this Saturday. The approach has delivered strong results historically, with six winners of the $3 million race following the same path over the past 15 years. Purchased for $60,000...