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By Ray Hickson

Experience at the Randwick mile and the confidence up from a first-up win are factors trainer Bjorn Baker believes give Pericles a realistic chance of snagging a Group 1 win in Saturday’s $1.5m TAB Epsom (1600m).

Trainer Bjorn Baker (Pic: Bradley Photos).

The Godolphin galloper won at his debut for Baker when he took out the Tramway Stakes (1400m) a month ago and will have to concede 2.5kg to unbeaten mare Autumn Glow.

Baker said the favourite will be hard to beat but feels Pericles has an opportunity from barrier five to give her a big run for her money.

“We can only worry about our own horse,’’ Baker said.

“He’s had a lot of experience at the mile at Randwick, he’s run well in two Doncasters, he’s had a faultless preparation and we couldn’t be happier.

“He’s a very good horse in his own right so I think he is a great chance. He’s got a perfect gate, will be able to put himself there without doing any work and I’m confident he can run a big race.”

Pericles, $7 with TAB on Friday, ran second in the 2024 Doncaster Mile where he was beaten just over half a length by Celestial Legend and he finished the same margin from Stefi Magnetica when running fifth in the 2025 edition.

The six-year-old has four placings at Group 1 level plus his second in the Golden Eagle of 2023 and Baker has taken the fresh approach to his Epsom preparation.

“He was great last start, he’s had a month between runs and a gallop between races,’’ he said.

“His work at home suggests he’s better than your typical open handicapper, he’s very good. He’s got exceptional speed and he’s been very straightforward.”

It’s been three years since warhorse Arapaho last contested the Group 1 $750,000 Asahi Super Dry Metropolitan (2400m) and he’ll have to carry 58kg if he’s to claim Sydney’s second biggest staying handicap.

The reigning Sydney Cup winner showed his tenacity when he chased the speed in the Kingston Town Stakes two weeks ago and held on to run fourth with Baker saying he’s ready for the 2400m.

“I think it will suit him, he’s in good order,’’ he said.

“He’s drawn a bit awkwardly but he has got great natural speed and is a fast stayer. He’s going to have to carry plenty of weight but I think he’s well over the odds.”

Baker has been sweating on a favourable barrier for talented filly Within The Law in the Group 1 $750,000 Darley Flight Stakes (1600m) and he got his wish when she landed in gate two.

The filly, narrowly beaten in the Champagne Stakes in the autumn, has been dictated to by wide barriers in her past two runs in the Furious and Tea Rose and Baker said she gets her chance.

“Her last two runs have been better than her results suggests,’’ he said.

“She should be able to put herself midfield or even a touch in front of it. Her work has been good so we can’t fault her.

Pericles wins the Tramway Stakes

“Over the shorter course it’s harder to make up that ground so out to a mile suits her.”

Bjorn Baker on Artaneous & Paradoxium (race 2): “Paradoxium trialled slightly better but both colts have come through their trials well. Both are in good order and deserve their chance. I guess gate one for Paradoxium is a big plus.”

On Masvingo & Better Off Alone (race 3): “There’s not too much between them, they both trialled well. With Better Off Alone the main negative is the wide gate but they are both in with a nice hope.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Epsom meeting at Randwick