Four-pronged attack from Bjorn Baker for Civic Stakes
Trainer Bjorn Baker, though absent from Royal Randwick this Saturday, is set to deploy a strong contingent for the Listed Civic Stakes, a 1400-metre feature race.
Baker has been occupied with stable star sprinter Overpass at Royal Ascot, where the horse ran a valiant third in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1005m) on Tuesday night. While the decision on whether Overpass will compete again on Saturday night in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1207m) against Joliestar is yet to be confirmed, his stablemates will contest the Civic Stakes.
Racing manager Luke Hilton, overseeing operations back home, confirmed that Hollywood Hero, Midnight Dynamite, Amor Victorious, and Point And Shoot are all expected to race throughout the winter months. "Hollywood Hero was really good the other day. He may need further again, but he was outstanding," Hilton remarked. He also added, "Midnight Dynamite was really good the other day too." On Amor Victorious, Hilton explained, "Amor Victorious is coming back off a short let-up. He had a bit of a setback (after Scone) so he had a bit of a break, but he's in good order now. He doesn't love wet ground. If we can just not have really wet ground it will suit him." Regarding Point And Shoot, Hilton cautioned, "With Point And Shoot, it depends which Point And Shoot turns up."
Last year's Civic Stakes winner, Headley Grange, went on to earn Group One honours. While the Baker runners may not achieve such lofty status, the winter racing calendar offers numerous opportunities for them to secure black-type success. "We're going to roll through with all four of them. You've got the Winter Stakes, the Winter Challenge. Unfortunately they've probably all got to keep taking each other on, but it's a good problem to have," Hilton stated.
Hollywood Hero requires three horses to be withdrawn to gain a start in the 15-horse field, with Midnight Dynamite installed as the early $3.60 favourite, to be ridden by Jason Collett from barrier eight. The Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) is scheduled for Rosehill on July 4, and the Listed Winter Challenge (1500m) will also be held at Rosehill on July 18.
Explore the betting markets for the race and see if Midnight Dynamite can live up to its favourite tag.
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