Baker anxious over barrier positions for Golden Slipper runners
The two Golden Slipper prospects under Bjorn Baker's care are taking divergent roads to the $5 million spectacle, Paradoxium lined up for an intense workout Tuesday and Warwoven set for a gentle recovery period.
Warwoven earned his berth in the juvenile feature through a dominant success in the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) on Saturday, facing a tight seven-day gap before the March 21 showdown.
Baker hadn't planned this schedule initially, but the colt's qualification was uncertain without further winnings, compelling the trainer to act.
"You never quite know on the back up. It's always a tricky business," Baker said.
"But he couldn't have done much more (on Saturday).
"It's good to see him back and win that way. He had to do a fair bit early. Obviously, we will be very interested to see how he recovers and comes through and hopefully he can be there with Paradoxium, in the same (Cunningham family) colours, next week."
While Warwoven gets ample time to recuperate, Paradoxium's Golden Slipper lead-in concludes with a sharp gallop Tuesday morning, Baker revealed.
"Paradoxium will have a good gallop on Tuesday. He galloped on Thursday, and I was thrilled with him. He has definitely improved," Baker said.
"(Warwoven) will be able to have a very easy week and relax, unlike his trainer and connections."
Monday marks the cutoff for late nominations, so the Golden Slipper (1200m) lineup and barriers emerge Tuesday.
Lacking a clear frontrunner from recent runs, the race appears up for grabs, amplifying the barrier draw's role according to Baker.
"So important. You can't worry about it, but it definitely has a big impact," he said.
Rachel King sticks with Warwoven for the Slipper, Jason Collett remaining on Paradoxium.
"And I'd say there's probably not too much between them on what we're seeing at the moment," Baker said.
Visit Australian betting sites to find the best betting markets for the race in the Golden Slipper.
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