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Extra Curricular Activities Have Baker Gelding Battle Ready

By Ray Hickson

A record of three wins from four starts says Battle Hymn has his share of talent but it’s his off the track antics that has seen Bjorn Baker send him back to school.

In the lead up to his first-up win a month ago the gelding did some of his preparation at the Hawkesbury property of Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton and his partner, jockey Rachel King.

And it’s been a similar story heading into the Hellbent @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1000m) at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

“He’s a funny one, we’ve spend a bit of time re-educating him,’’ Hilton said.

Luke Hilton (Pic: Bradley Photos).

“He’s got a few quirks. He’s spent some time out here with Rach doing a bit of schooling and equestrian stuff.

“His racing isn’t the problem, he puts his best foot forward on the racetrack but at home he can be a little challenging.”

Rachel King has the ride on Battle Hymn, $5.50 with TAB on Tuesday, and Hilton said indications are the extra curricular activities are doing the job. Slowly.

In his first-up win, the half length margin looks relatively comfortable but he still made hard work of it.

“He flew the gates and landed in front then completely switched off, then was able to pick up and win again,’’ Hilton said.

“The ability is there, he’s still learning how to put races away and go on with the job.

“He’s been back at the stable for a week and had a gallop on Friday, he galloped really well.

“He’s striking a midweek race with near top weight so he’s got it all to do but he’s got a nice gate, good genuine speed, and he’s definitely not the finished product.”

Listed winning mare Dance To The Boom comes off a confidence boosting win earlier this month and will be out to back it up in the TAB Handicap (1300m).

The Gosford Guineas winner didn’t run up to expectation finishing midfield behind Idle Flyer second-up but an all the way win on the Kensington track two weeks ago has her racing for a return to Saturday company.

It’s unlikely the four-year-old will be asked to lead this time around in a bigger field but Hilton expects she’ll be in a striking position.

“Bjorn was happy to bring her back (to midweek) and give her a confidence boost,’’ he said.

“She’s had that and this race fell into a good path so we’ll try to get another one.

"She’s adaptable, I think first half is better for her. Hopefully there’ll be a little bit of cover there in the first half and leave it to Kerrin (McEvoy) to work it out.”

All the fields, form and replays for Wednesday’s Warwick Farm meeting

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