Trainer Bjorn Baker finds himself in a difficult position, comparing the prospect of choosing between his favoured horses, Pericles and Caballus, for the Russell Balding Stakes to picking a favourite child.
“They both look fantastic, and they’ve both got good gates,” Baker stated.
“It’s a tough one. They’re two of my favourites, and there’s not too much between them. Caballus is coming out of the stronger race though, so maybe he’s got the slight push.”
Caballus finished seventh from a wide barrier in the Everest (1200m), less than two and a half lengths behind the winner, while Pericles made late ground in the Sydney Stakes (1200m) to finish just over two lengths off Grafterburners.
Both horses have drawn adjacent gates for Saturday’s race, occupying barriers one and two respectively. Pericles was initially entered for the Damien Oliver (1400m) at Flemington but was scratched, despite drawing favourably in gate three.
The favourable draws in both Sydney and Melbourne presented a challenge for Baker in deciding their race program. However, the significant prizemoney difference ultimately swayed his decision, with the Russell Balding Stakes offering $3 million compared to the Melbourne race’s $500,000.
“Funnily enough, he hasn’t drawn well his first two runs this preparation and he drew excellent in both Sydney and Melbourne. Murphy’s Law,” Baker commented.
“I guess the prizemoney is so good. He’s got a good gate and he’s getting to his trip. He’s not out of it. From the 1300, gates are crucial, and he’ll be able to put himself midfield, maybe just in front of there, and hopefully gets every chance. Caballus was fantastic in the Everest. If he didn’t get held up on the corner, he would have been a touch closer. He’s going very well too.”
Additionally, Baker has the backmarker Within The Law contesting the $10 million Golden Eagle (1500m). He was encouraged by her initial run this preparation, finishing an eye-catching fifth in the Silver Eagle (1300m).
While acknowledging the strong favouritism of Sheza Alibi, Baker believes Within The Law has the potential to perform well from her low barrier of three.
“You can’t go into a race like this confident, but I think she will run well and if she runs up to her best, she’s not out of being a place chance for sure,” Baker said.
“I guess the big thing is she’s got a great gate. She might need a little bit of luck because she does tend to get back, but she was very good first-up and she should be well set second-up to go to the 1500.”
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