Bjorn Baker launches bold Group 1 bid on Golden Slipper day

While he doesn't match the horse volume or acquisition might of the nation's leading barns, Bjorn Baker remains undeterred in his bid to shine on Golden Slipper day at Rosehill.

With five participants spread over four Group 1 contests, Baker relies on colts Warwoven and Paradoxium to spearhead the $5 million feature, supported by Pericles entered in the George Ryder Stakes (1500m), Stefi Magnetica tackling the Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and Green Spaces in the Rosehill Guineas (2000m).

Currently third in the metro trainers' ladder, surpassed just by Chris Waller's juggernaut and Tulloch Lodge, Baker carries forward his superb record from last year, during which only Waller outdid him in Sydney triumphs.

"Compared to the big stables and big bloodstock agents, we're at a much lower level in terms of numbers and quality, so to get two runners in the Golden Slipper is really a dream," Baker said this week.

"It's very much about small steps to get into these races. Even when I came here (from his native New Zealand), you've got to start winning races and slowly building quality up.

"Two runners in the race suggests we're going in the right direction."

In the George Ryder, Pericles meets the newest fan favourite Autumn Glow, who boasts odds akin to Winx at $1.30, leaving Pericles at $16 in the third betting bracket.

This Godolphin gelding has avoided finishing beyond fourth in his five races with Baker, and his stylish first-up victory in Caulfield's Futurity Stakes (1400m) last month hints at further riches.

Baker shows no signs of surrendering the George Ryder to the short-priced star despite Pericles's tough assignment.

"You've got to back yourself. You're in the wrong game if you want to put the white flag up every time there is a superstar," Baker said.

"If there is ever a horse that is capable of knocking off a superstar, it's Pericles. He's got an exceptional record."

Stefi Magnetica, victor of the prior Doncaster Mile, steps up to an unfamiliar middle distance in the Ranvet, posing a significant test.

Though Baker acknowledges the need for perfect circumstances against Aeliana and Sir Delius, he rates her above her disappointing seventh placing in Flemington's All-Star Mile (1600m).

"It was hard to get a line in Melbourne. It didn't work out, it was a very firm track, and second-up she can be a little bit vulnerable as well," Baker said.

"It's going to be a tough race with Sir Delius and Aeliana and co, so she is going to need to get a good run in transit and have everything go her way, but she's in good order."

Besides his elite Group 1 challengers, Baker saddles four fillies and mares for the Group 3 Birthday Card Stakes (1200m), highlighting Monte Supreme as the prime hope at $9.50.

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