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By Ray Hickson

Trainer Bjorn Baker says he can’t imagine writing a better script for Overpass to impress TAB Everest slot holders than what’s unfolded for him at Randwick on Saturday.

Trainer Bjorn Baker

Since he chased home Everest champ Giga Kick in Brisbane earlier this year Baker’s focus has been on having the five-year-old ready to win first-up and have his slot locked away soon after.

A year ago exactly that happened when he filled second placing behind Nature Strip in the Group 2 $1 million Toyota Forklifts Shorts (1100m) but there’s a sense with the changing of the guard happening that Overpass can go one better.

“I’m not beating around the bush, we need to run really well and we need to make a statement,’’ Baker said.

“He’s a horse that’s continued to improve. I watched the race last year and he looked like a little boy, since then I’ve got no doubt he’s better.

“He’s been gelded and only had the two runs in the autumn so I think he’s had the perfect set up to run really well.”

Overpass, who won The Quokka in Perth first-up in the autumn, is a $21 chance in TAB’s all-in Everest market and second favourite behind In Secret at $5.50 on Thursday for his Shorts return.

Baker said with barrier one it’s the icing on the cake for the start of the preparation after two pleasing barrier trials, an exhibition gallop and a day out at the races last week.

And adding to that he’s excited to see what Overpass can do on a good track with that build up.

“His good track form is a lot better than what it appears on paper, I’ve got no doubt he’s better on top of the ground,’’ he said.

“That blunted a bit of his cruising speed last spring.

“His work on Tuesday was excellent, he’s never been a great worker to the point where it’s surprising how good he is as a racehorse.

“It was as good as I’ve had one work for a long time, so he’s improved in that facet as well.

“He’s quick out of the gates and I’m sure he’ll jump on Saturday, that’s definitely our big hope. His form from the autumn was very good and he’s going as well if not better than he was then.”

Group 1 winner Arapaho is back in business after a virus delayed the start of his spring campaign though Baker is a little concerned he’s behind the eight ball first-up in the $1m 7 Stakes (1600m).

But he has run well fresh in the past so Baker has the fingers crossed the Tancred Stakes winner can show he’s back on track.

“A mile first-up is a bit of an ask as he hasn’t had the perfect lead up but his work has been really good,’’ Baker said.

“He’s a high class stayer on his day and I think he’s an under-rated horse. He’ll go back and if he’s hitting the line we will be very happy.”

Overpass wins a Rosehill trial on September 5

Among Baker’s Randwick team is Dynamic Impact who resumes in the Agency Real Estate Handicap (1200m) and the trainer admits he can’t be sure what to expect.

With eight wins and no placings from 28 starts he’s the definition of hit and miss but he has won three from six when resuming.

“He’s a strange horse, he’s not an each-way proposition. He either wins or goes no good,’’ Baker said.

“I don’t think he’s out of it, he looks good. He just needs conditions to suit, to get a quiet run early and then he can finish off.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Randwick meeting