Although Bjorn Baker will not be present at Royal Randwick on Saturday, he is poised to field a formidable group in the day’s main event, the Listed Civic Stakes contested over 1400 metres.

Baker has been attending Royal Ascot throughout the week, overseeing stable star sprinter Overpass, who delivered a commendable third-place finish in the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1005m) on Tuesday night. A definitive decision regarding Overpass’s participation on Saturday night against Joliestar in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1207m) is still pending. However, the stable is confirmed to enter four runners in the Civic Stakes itself.

Racing manager Luke Hilton, who is managing the stable’s operations back home, indicated that Hollywood Hero, Midnight Dynamite, Amor Victorious, and Point And Shoot are all slated to compete through the winter period. Hilton commented, “Hollywood Hero was really good the other day. He may need further again, but he was outstanding.” He added, “Midnight Dynamite was really good the other day too.” Regarding Amor Victorious, Hilton noted, “Amor Victorious is coming back off a short let-up. He had a bit of a setback (after Scone) so he had a bit of a break, but he’s in good order now. He doesn’t love wet ground. If we can just not have really wet ground it will suit him.” Turning his attention to Point And Shoot, Hilton stated, “With Point And Shoot, it depends which Point And Shoot turns up.”

Last year, Headley Grange clinched the Civic Stakes before going on to achieve Group One success. While the Baker quartet might not reach the same elite level, the winter racing program presents ample opportunities for them to secure stakes victories. “We’re going to roll through with all four of them. You’ve got the Winter Stakes, the Winter Challenge. Unfortunately they’ve probably all got to keep taking each other on, but it’s a good problem to have,” Hilton elaborated.

Hollywood Hero requires three scratchings to secure a spot in the final 15-runner field, while Midnight Dynamite is currently the market favourite, opening at $3.60 with Jason Collett booked for the ride from barrier eight. The Listed Winter Stakes (1400m) is scheduled for Rosehill on July 4, followed by the Listed Winter Challenge (1500m) at Rosehill on July 18.

For those looking to get involved, the Australian betting sites offer competitive odds on all the upcoming races.