‘She belongs’: Baker bullish On $1 Million Sires’ Produce shot

The seven-day back-up is not a trendy thing in racing these days, but Bjorn Baker sees an advantage in it for a trio of runners on the weekend.

Mawjood and Thebudgiesmulga will back-up from Randwick a week ago with the prospect of wet tracks enhancing their chances, but it’s I Am Dirty in the BRC Sires’ Produce Stakes that Baker believes gets her best chance to deliver on her potential.

“We have always thought she was one of our best two-year-olds and she showed that last week [in the Bill Carter Stakes],” Baker said. “She has won two-on-end now, and it’s a great opportunity for her race for $1 million and a Group 2 while she is very good form.

“She was very strong at the end of last week, so the 1400m will not be a problem.

“I think she will handle a soft track, and we could find no reason for her not to back-up.

“The barrier [of 16] makes it a little tougher for her, but we think she belongs at this level.

”We have chances all day in Brisbane, Within The Law and Dance To The Boom are both big odds in my opinion.”

Thebudgiesmulga could join the Brisbane team to run in the Premiers Cup after he was too strong for rivals over 2400m at Randwick seven days ago. However, there is a chance to stay in Sydney if he gets a run in the Lord Mayor’s Cup, where he is an emergency.

“We know he is very good on soft tracks, and it’s why he is in at this time of the year,” Baker said. “He was only third-up last week and there is improvement to come from that.

“Wherever he races, he is going to love the conditions, and I think he is still on the way up and will step up again.”

Baker feels the back-up can only help Mawjood after his close-up third at Randwick, and he has no concerns about stepping up to 1500m.

“He has been good this preparation, but he does have a tendency to over race, and I think the back-up will take the edge off him and get him to travel a bit more kindly,” Baker said. “He is very fit and appreciates the wet ground.”

Before Saturday, Baker’s attention will turn to Overpass’s final hit out in Australia before heading to Royal Ascot next month.

The gun sprinter will have a Flemington jumpout alongside Australia’s other Royal representative, Joliestar, on Friday.

“It is just about stretching his legs and keeping him up to the mark before getting on the plane,” Baker said.

“He is in great shape, but he won’t be asked to do much.”