So You Are turns tables on Thebudgiesmugla

So You Are twice had to settle for stakes placings behind The Budgiesmugla during the winter, but the talented stayer finally had his moment in the sun in the Drinkwise Cup at Randwick.

After racing handy throughout, So You Are ($3) was left in front before the corner and maintained a strong gallop to the line to comfortably claim Saturday’s Listed race by 1-3/4 lengths over Fernao ($6.50) with Amplify ($7.50) another half-neck away.

Thebudgiesmugla ($2.90 fav) didn’t appear to appreciate the firm track, finishing fourth.

A recent addition to the Bjorn Baker stable, So You Are is raced by the Ramsey family, including patriarch Stuart Ramsey, who has been a long-time supporter of the yard.

“When I first came over he was one of the first people to give me a horse, so to win a good race like this at Randwick is very special,” Baker said.

‘”I’ve only had him for the two starts. I’ve been very lucky to get a readymade horse and he’s fairly bombproof.

“It worked out really well today. We were able to put him up there.”

Thebudgiesmugla had been striving to maintain his perfect 2400m record in the Drinkwise Cup and while he suffered his first defeat over the journey in six starts, Baker felt he had genuine excuses.

“He was okay. Just the firm track, he’s going to be better (on softer ground),” he said.

“He’s going to improve off that, and I wouldn’t be too worried going forward with him. Maybe the race shape worked against him a bit today.”

Both horses will continue deeper into the carnival, although Baker is happy to keep an open mind on targets for now.

He said the Metropolitan (2400m) at Randwick and The Bart Cummings (2500m) at Flemington, both on October 3, would be entertained for the duo.

“We’ll have a think about it and weigh it up,” Baker said.

“The ‘Metrop’ is definitely an option. A race like The Bart Cummings as well. Even the St Leger here on Everest day.”

So You Are was Baker’s first Sydney Saturday metropolitan winner of the season after a frustrating series of minor placings to start the term.