Sandpaper heads Bjorn Baker’s 2026 Carrington Stakes trio

Sandpaper’s recent Queensland campaign may not have produced a win, but Bjorn Baker believes the gelding is poised to bounce back at Randwick.

After finishing second to Know Thyself two runs ago, Sandpaper stuck on gamely when sixth behind Needs Some Luck in The Buffering (1400m) at Eagle Farm earlier this month.

He steps out again in Saturday’s Carrington Stakes (1400m), with Baker confident his fitness will allow him to be competitive.

“His run was better than it looked last time,” Baker said.

“It’s a tough race but he’s going well. He looks great and he’s rock-hard fit.”

Sandpaper is one of three runners Baker will saddle up for the race, alongside War Eternal and Thunderlips.

Conditions are unlikely to suit the latter pair if the track continues to dry, although Thunderlips benefits from a significant weight swing on his last-start conqueror.

“He will probably need it, but he can show up once he gets fit and he looks well at the moment,” Baker said.

“War Eternal, he often takes a run or two and if there is any cut, it will help him. Same with Thunderlips.

“Thunderlips has just got an awkward gate, so we’ll see how we go there, but we’re in there with a show.”

Whinchat heads the market at $3.30 for the Listed sprint, with Sandpaper and War Eternal both quoted around the $10 mark.

Form students can assess the latest racing betting markets for the Carrington Stakes ahead of Saturday’s meeting.

The post Sandpaper heads Bjorn Baker’s Carrington Stakes trio first appeared on Just Horse Racing.