Bjorn Baker warming to Golden Slipper plan with fit colt Warwoven

Posted by RS NewsWire at 1:15am on March 18th
Bjorn Baker warming to Golden Slipper plan with fit colt Warwoven

Plan A never involved dispatching Warwoven to the Golden Slipper off a mere seven days' rest, but Sydney's predicted wet weather is making trainer Bjorn Baker more receptive to the idea.

In recent times, two runners have captured the prize after a fast return, namely Kiamichi in 2019 along with Shinzo three years back, and a soggy Rosehill on Saturday could render Warwoven's freshness a key asset.

The colt snagged barrier 14 and sat at $7 midweek, while his yard companion Paradoxium, co-favourite pre-barrier, lengthened into $8 with the unlucky draw of 18.

According to Baker, the duo continues to improve, their capacity to rebound from troubled Magic Millions runs in Queensland highlighting their durability.

"Both colts have got a great constitution and very good attitudes, so that gives you a bit of encouragement," Baker said.

"They've both been on the way up, so if anything, the back-up could work to our advantage, especially if there is a little bit of rain around and the track does get demanding. Maybe that would tip me towards Warwoven."

Warwoven's mount goes to Rachel King, who could etch history as the first woman to conquer the planet's richest two-year-old contest if she prevails.

Blinkers make their appearance on the colt Saturday, a move Baker hopes delivers an edge.

"He has worked in them previously and has gone very well so we thought, Saturday is the day to do it," he said.

"It's a bit of a risky move, but he's drawn out a touch.

"We've got the option to go forward or take a sit. Rachel knows him very well, so we'll figure that out."

Paradoxium faces a stern test from his outer gate, but Baker insists perfect execution of the plan is vital.

"No doubt, the gate, he is going to have to overcome that," he said.

"He's just going to need a little bit of luck from out wide and make sure we get our tactics spot-on.

"But the main thing is we are here, and he is in good shape and healthy."

Of the previous 15 Golden Slipper victors, seven hailed from eight or beyond, six from teens.

Matching Warwoven's tweak, two more participants switch gear Saturday: Chris Waller adds blinkers to debut on Fireball and strips them from Hidrix post a lacklustre showing with them in the Todman Stakes (1200m).

Head to leading online bookmakers for competitive Golden Slipper betting markets.

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