Baker reached a personal milestone by claiming the Derby victory, following in the footsteps of his father, the renowned New Zealand conditioner Murray Baker, who secured five successes in the iconic Randwick event.
The Derby stands as one of Australia’s most historic highlight contests, debuting in 1861, the same year as the first Melbourne Cup captured by Archer.
Baker revealed his ongoing intention to aim Green Spaces at the 2026 Melbourne Cup following the colt’s commanding performance.
“Melbourne Cup – bring it on!” Baker said
King’s ride proved strategically flawless, marking her as the inaugural female rider to conquer the Derby – merely 40 minutes following Jamie Melham’s success aboard Sheza Alibi in the Doncaster Mile.
“This is just so satisfying,” King said.”I’ve had some much belief in this horse, the whole team has, they’ve done an amazing job and Bjorn has timed the colt’s Derby preparation to perfection.
“He’s a beautiful horse and I was very confident he would stay. He relaxed so well and did everything I asked.”
Green Spaces ($4.40) displayed exceptional stamina as he powered clear to take the Derby by over three lengths ahead of Dezignation ($151), while Storm Leopard ($4.60) was a long neck further back in third.
Observer, the $3 market elect, battled gamely to end up fifth yet appeared somewhat uneasy on the “shifty” surface.
However, it’s challenging to find reasons for those trailing Green Spaces, given his complete supremacy.
Baker noted he had targeted the Derby for Green Spaces ever since the colt dominated the Group 3 Spring Stakes during Newcastle’s standalone fixture last November.
“This is so special, what a great watch,” Baker said.”When they are in the zone like that, his trackwork has been in the zone, I was very confident, I couldn’t have him any better going into today.
“Every time I looked at him in the box, his coat was great, he was in the zone, and his work on Tuesday was great.”
Baker conceded he sought guidance from his father this week, as Murray had triumphed in the Derby five times across 12 years with Quick Thinker (2020), Jon Snow (2017), Mongolian Khan (2015), It’s A Dundeel (2013) and Nom Du Jeu (2008).
“I spoke to Murray a lot this week, I asked him what would you do with this horse,” Baker said.”He said don’t leave him short son. Then when the rain came this morning, I was very confident he was fit enough.”
Baker specifically commended King for her standout Derby effort.
“Rachel’s done so much work for our stable and she delivers, she delivers on the big stage,” Baker said.”She rode him perfectly today, it was an exceptional ride.”
King reciprocated, calling Baker a “massive supporter of mine”.”I disappear for a month to ride in Japan but he’s always there for me when I come back,” King said.”I made an effort this year to come back and trial this horse during my trip because I wanted to stay with the colt so thanks to Bjorn and the Godolphin team for sticking with me.”
Green Spaces marks the fourth distinct Group 1 victor this campaign for Godolphin-Darley’s outstanding sire Street Boss, following Tentyris, Tempted and Pericles.
Street Boss also sired the champion and past Horse of the Year Anamoe.
Dezignation, under Matthew Smith’s care, delivered a strong showing for second, closing powerfully over the demanding Derby 2400m better than most rivals save for the brilliant Green Spaces.
“He has run out of his skin,” said jockey Tyler Schiller, rider of Dezignation. “He stays all day.”
Tommy Berry, aboard Storm Leopard, believed he had the Derby in hand after weaving inside Observer on the bend to hit the lead.”I thought it was an extraordinary effort off the back up,” Berry said of Storm Leopard, who won the Tulloch Stakes last week.”The winner was set for the race and won accordingly but Storm Leopard has a bright future in the staying ranks.”
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