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| Staff Writer |
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Trainer Bjorn Baker had a remarkable year, and he is determined to carry that success into the summer by focusing on the upcoming Magic Millions carnival at the Gold Coast next month.
Baker's recent achievements demonstrate his exceptional form on the racing circuit. He claimed victory in the prestigious debut event, The Quokka, with the talented horse, Overpass. This success was followed by an impressive win in the Coolmore Stud Stakes, where his promising colt, Ozzmosis, proved to be a stallion in the making. Notably, Baker continued his winning streak by returning to Western Australia, triumphing in the highly regarded Group One Winterbottom Stakes once again with Overpass.
"It has been great, a really good year. I'm very happy with how things have gone and hopefully it can continue into next year," Baker said.
Although there are no feature races at Randwick's meeting this Saturday, it is a significant stepping stone for several gallopers who aim to secure their Magic Millions claims. Trainer Bjorn Baker's duo of Infatuation and Lady Of Luxury are among them, and they will resume in the TAB Handicap and Petaluma Handicap respectively.
Infatuation has some impressive juvenile formlines, having finished as the runner-up in the 2022 Golden Gift and fourth in this year's Magic Millions Classic behind Skirt The Law. Despite drawing awkwardly in barrier 12 on Saturday, Baker is optimistic that she will perform well enough to earn her spot back to the Gold Coast.
"We're hopeful of getting her up for the Magic Millions 3YO [Guineas] next month, that's the main aim," Baker said.
"She's going in [on Saturday] without a trial but her work at home has been good. Hopefully she can jump and put herself in the first four."
Baker is targeting the Magic Millions fillies and mares' race for Lady Of Luxury and is hopeful that she will perform well in the Petaluma Handicap on Saturday. Although Lady Of Luxury has a strong first-up record, she will have to carry the top weight of 59kg. Baker is confident that Lady Of Luxury will give her best shot and is looking forward to seeing her finish strong.
Baker has been known for his ability to win the last race, but this time his focus is on Lady Of Luxury's performance rather than the outcome. He believes that Lady Of Luxury has the potential to prove her worth on the track and is optimistic about her chances. Regardless of the result, Baker will be content as long as Lady Of Luxury puts in her best effort till the finish line.
"She has got a big weight and it's a kick off point for her," he said. "She will probably get back and if she hits the line, we'll be comfortable going forward."
In the Toyota Forklifts Handicap, Import Dreamflight completes Baker's Sydney team lineup. However, the horse has been unable to rediscover its French form ever since arriving in Australia and is in need of improvement.