Latest News

By Ray Hickson

Bjorn Baker’s opinion of talented sprinter Caballus can be seen in the races he asked the horse to contest earlier this season so he’s hoping the decision to geld will be the making of him.

Trainer Bjorn Baker (Pic: Steve Hart)

The four-year-old resumes in the Listed $200,000 Emirates Park Kids Foundation Ortensia Stakes (1100m) at Scone on Saturday is what is something of a reset.

Caballus won at his first two starts for Baker last year including the Group 3 Eskimo Prince and he started his spring in the Group 1 Moir and Manikato Stakes but when his form didn’t improve on his return to Sydney the gear change was called for.

“We elected to geld him and he’s trialled really well, his work has been excellent so we can’t fault him from that respect,’’ Baker said.

“He looks well and he’s going nicely at this stage.

“We’ve thrown him in some very good races, he’s got ability and has always shown a lot and I just hope he lives up to it.”

Ash Morgan rides Caballus, $11 with TAB on Thursday, in the Ortensia and Baker said barrier one could be a blessing or a curse depending on how he steps away.

He said if the gelding can return to form quickly he’d like to zero in on the $2 million Sydney Stakes (1200m) on TAB Everest Day as a target – a race he finished midfield in last year when below his best.

“From gate one he can do one or two things wrong so hopefully he can do them right,’’ Baker said.

“He’s definitely resuming in a much easier race than he’s been in for a while.

“I think 1100m is spot on and the way he is going at home we're confident he can run a race. He’s just got to do everything correctly.”

Speedy mare Passeggiata is still searching for her first win since June 2023 and gets another chance in the GRO Events Handicap (1100m).

The mare was run down by Miss Icelandic when she resumed over 1000m at Randwick three weeks ago and Baker said it was a pleasing effort but one she needs to improve further on.

“Her form has been a little hit and miss but she looks well and she’s running well at the moment,’’ he said.

“I think she is a little more mature and stronger but she’s yet to deliver on the promise she has shown.”

Baker has won two of the past five editions of the Group 3 $250,000 Arrowfield Dark Jewel Classic (1400m) but concedes imported mare Queues Likely needs to turn things around.

Caballus runs third in a Randwick trial on May 5

James McDonald steered Irithia to win in 2020 while Tyler Schiller partnered Bring The Ransom in 2022 and it’ll be Gosford Cup winning rider Winona Costin’s job on the former UK mare who was beaten 10 lengths second-up behind Punch Lane.

“The blinkers go on, she seems to be going well at home but is definitely not delivering,’’ Baker said.

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Scone meeting