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| Sumita Pawar |
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Trainer Bjorn Baker has his sights set on two of the most lucrative horse races in the world this upcoming season. His stable stars, Overpass and Arapaho, are the chosen contenders for these prestigious events.
Baker has confirmed that Overpass is being specifically prepared for the highly anticipated $20 million The TAB Everest race. With at least three slot-holders expressing interest in securing the talented sprinter, negotiations are underway to secure his participation in the esteemed Royal Randwick sprint.
Overpass And Arapaho: The Rising Stars Of Global Racing
Meanwhile, Arapaho's victory in the Tancred Stakes earlier this year has earned him a coveted spot in the $11 million Japan Cup. Japan Racing Association officials recently paid a visit to Baker's Warwick Farm stables in an attempt to persuade the trainer to make the journey with Arapaho.
Both Overpass and Arapaho possess immense potential and Baker is determined to make their mark on the global racing stage. As the preparations intensify, all eyes will be on these exceptional horses as they strive for victory in these world-class races.
"It's a good position to be in with horses heading toward these races,'' Baker said.
"But first we have to get Overpass into The Everest and I need to discuss with Arapaho's owners whether they are keen to go for the Japan Cup.''
On Wednesday, Overpass and Arapaho will further their spring carnival preparations by participating in an exhibition gallop at Warwick Farm. With the intention of maintaining freshness, Baker has decided to limit Overpass to just one lead-up run before The Everest on October 14.
"The gallop is more about giving them a day out as much as anything,'' Baker said.
"They can use a bit of nervous energy when at home during a race meeting so by giving them this exhibition gallop, it is simulating that raceday scenario.
"Overpass won't be out to break any land speed records but he is coming along nicely. The plan is to give him a barrier trial on August 22 then he will go first-up into The Shorts (September 16) and hopefully by then we will have locked away an Everest slot.
Baker said Overpass is a "much better racehorse" now than he was last spring when he finished a close sixth to Giga Kick in The Everest.
"His autumn campaign was phenomenal, winning The Quokka first-up then running so well for second to Giga Kick in the Doomben 10,000,'' Baker said.
"I think he is at his peak physically and mentally now and he's set for a big season. It's all about getting him ready for The Everest and it would be nice to get that slot soon.
"You can become biased when you are the trainer but I feel Overpass more than deserves a slot and I'm confident he will get one.''
According to Baker, Arapaho is displaying a greater level of readiness and is scheduled to recommence his racing career in the prestigious Gr.1 $1m Winx Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on August 19th.