The countdown to the spring carnival is well and truly on, and few stables look set to play a bigger role than Bjorn Baker Racing.
After catching up with assistant trainer Luke Hilton, we’ve got an early look at where some of the stable’s biggest names are expected to kick off their campaigns and the feature races they’re targeting over the coming months.
From Everest contenders to exciting three-year-olds and proven Group 1 performers, Baker’s team once again looks loaded with talent.
Overpass
Fresh off another successful overseas campaign, Overpass is on track for another assault on Everest Day. The stable’s star sprinter will be aimed at The Everest should a slot become available, but if not, he’ll likely attempt to again claim the Sydney Stakes (which he won back in 2024)). Whichever path he takes, expect the six-year-old to be one of the headline acts of the Sydney spring.
WATCH: Overpass win the 2024 Sydney Stakes
Warwoven
One of the stable’s most exciting three-year-olds, Warwoven is set to follow the traditional Golden Rose pathway. He’ll resume in the San Domenico Stakes before progressing through the Run To The Rose, with the Golden Rose his major spring target. The stable has always held the colt in high regard, and this preparation shapes as his chance to make his mark at Group 1 level.
WATCH: Warwoven win the Pago Pago
Paradoxium
The talented colt is expected to kick off in the San Domenico Stakes before building towards the Coolmore Stud Stakes at Flemington. He’s shown plenty of natural ability throughout his career, and if he takes the right steps through the Sydney three-year-old races, the straight six on Derby Day could prove the perfect grand final.
WATCH: Paradoxium win the Todman
Caballus
A horse that continues to improve with racing, Caballus has the Sydney Stakes firmly in his sights this spring. The 1200m contest on Everest Day shapes as an ideal race for the talented sprinter, who looks capable of measuring up in one of the strongest support races on the Australian calendar.
READ: Spring Carnival Cheat Sheet: Where the big guns are heading
Pericles
The proven weight-for-age galloper is set for another crack at Sydney’s elite mile races. Hilton indicated Pericles is likely to resume in the Tramway Stakes before progressing through the 7 Stakes, with the King Charles III Stakes looming as his major target. If he returns to his best, he’ll be right in the mix throughout the carnival.
Blue Door
ne of the stable’s exciting young prospects, Blue Door is expected to kick off in either The Rosebud or the Silver Shadow Stakes, depending on how the stable maps out its early three-year-old runners. Regardless of where she resumes, the Coolmore Stud Stakes has been identified as the long-range target, with the filly possessing the speed and profile to be highly competitive down the famous Flemington straight.
