“She’s looks to have come through the run really well. She backed up last year after the Golden Eagle in the Champions Mile, and she went really well that day, so from that point of view we were really comfortable, and she’s ready to go.
“And of course, she ran well at Randwick on Saturday, so she’s definitely in the race.”
‘It was a big thrill, we needed a big win over the Championships.’
Bjorn Baker on his success in the Doncaster Mile
Stefi Magnetica looked a good thing beaten, stuck behind a wall of horses, when fifth in the $10 million Golden Eagle in the spring. She was then a length behind Mr Brightside when fourth in the Champions Mile at Flemington a week later.
Beyond Saturday, Baker was eyeing more rich features in the spring with his now two-time group 1 winner.
“There was a bit of thinking that we may well head back to Brisbane, but now she’s won the Doncaster, she’ll more than likely go for a break after Saturday,” he said.
“She could still have a good break, and then we’ll probably look at the [$5 million] King Charles on Everest Day in the spring.”
Also on Saturday, Baker has consistent performer Arapaho, a $20 hope from gate 12, in the $2 million Sydney Cup (3200m) with Rachel King to ride.
“He’s going great. His runs have all been fantastic,” he said.
“He ran fourth in the Sydney Cup two years ago. That day they went pretty quick up front and he was right there, so we may just look to ride him a little bit colder.”
Within The Law returns three weeks after her spectacular fall through the inside rail at the back of the field in the Golden Slipper to race in the $1 million group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m).
Baker said a cut from the fall had healed well and the Sweet Embrace Stakes winner was ready to bounce back.
Jason Collett after winning the Doncaster Mile aboard Stefi Magnetica.Credit: Getty Images
“She galloped really well Tuesday morning, and she trialled well last week,” Baker said.
“We were pretty confident going into the Slipper, and then, of course, the wide gate worked against her, and it didn’t work out well, but I’m confident.
“She’s got a really good gate, so she doesn’t have to get all the way back, and she’s definitely got the ability to be right in the finish.”
Loading
He also has Wellington Boot runner-up Alabama Charm ($101) in the race.
“No doubt she’s going to have to improve a fair margin, stepping up to this grade,” he said.
“But she’s rock-hard fit and well, and if she gets back and they go quick enough up front, she’s not completely out of it.”
Another horse stepping up for Baker is former Chris Waller-trained colt Imperial Force, a $285,000 buy for Darby Racing which has won his past two starts in benchmark grade. He was a $23 chance in the group 2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint.
“His trial was excellent last week, and I think he’s improved again,” he said.
“He’s going to need to be, but he’s got a great gate, he’ll be able to put himself there with no pressure, and I couldn’t be happier with how he’s going. I really believe he’s a knockout chance.”
