Latest News

By Ray Hickson

Trainer Bjorn Baker is warming to stable warhorse Robusto getting his chance to go one better than last year and take out Saturday’s $500,000 Limitless Lodge Lakes Mile (1600m) at Wyong while acknowledging stablemate Amor Victorious is there to provide stiff competition.

Trainer Bjorn Baker (Pic: Bradley Photos).

Robusto was narrowly beaten by Waterford in the inaugural edition of the Lakes and Baker’s hopes for his connections were dimmed a little when he drew the outside barrier with the 61kg.

But on the eve of the race there are only 10 horses remaining and his outside barrier doesn’t look quite so bad.

Both Baker reps had their latest starts at Eagle Farm with Amor Victorious winning the Members Mile two weeks ago while Robusto backs up after again being runner-up in the Buffering, this time to Need Some Luck.

“He’s a remarkable horse, his run last week was great. He didn’t draw a gate and we didn’t have any luck with the gates again,’’ Baker said.

“Amor Victorious is very well, he’s coming off a really good win in Queensland. We’ll be positive with him and we’ll have to have a think about how we ride Robusto.

“Both have been great horses for the stable, particularly Robusto and he’s still probably under rated. He’s won about $2 million since I’ve had him so he’s a remarkable horse.”

A year ago Robusto came into The Lakes having won The Ingham while he finished third in the Group 2 event last month despite pulling up with the thumps.

Baker said he’s a horse that’s hard to fault, he is giving 100 per cent every time he goes out and he looks to now have a much better chance with the smaller field.

“I think he’s going as good if not better,’’ he said.

“His run in The Ingham was great, you could argue it had more depth to it this year.

"His run in the Buffering was every bit as good as last year where he was beaten by Transatlantic so we’ve been unlucky to run into a couple of good ones at times.”

Amor Victorious finished about a length behind Robusto in The Ingham before a shrewd piece of placement from Baker saw him claim a Listed win.

He’ll meet his stablemate 1kg better and the trainer expects the gelding will give them something to run down.

“I think he’s in really good order,’’ he said.

“He had to absorb a bit of pressure mid race last time and I think Wyong will really suit him. I’m looking forward to getting him out and rolling.”

Consistent four-year-old Puntin has also been a beneficiary of early scratchings as he’s set to resume in the Asahi Group Handicap (1350m).

He’s only missed a place once in nine starts and that was a fourth when stretching out to 1800m back in July, he’s had two trials to prepare for a return and Baker said he’ll be ridden to his usual pattern.

“I think he’s well set up to run a good 1350m first-up,’’ he said.

“We’ll be positive from the gate, he’s best when he’s right there whether he leads or is just off them.

“He’s had enough work to be able to compete. He’s very consistent and it’d be great if he can be in the finish.”

Robusto runs second at Eagle Farm on January 3

Bjorn Baker on Slinky (race 5): “I think she’s a big improver, gate one is good and she looks to get a pretty good run in transit. She’s always suggested she’s not far off competing in this Saturday grade.”

On Loving (race 7): “He has continued to improve. His win at Gosford was good albeit he is jumping in grade significantly but he’s got a good gate and tactical speed. We can afford to be positive and his work on Tuesday was very good.”

On Pillow Fight (race 7): “She’s not out of it, last time she had to go a long way back and was okay through the line. She’s a bit one paced so she’s going to be better suited up on speed.”

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