Currently tied for second position at 54 wins apiece on the NSW Metropolitan Trainers' Premiership, Baker and Cummings will saddle up nine and three runners at this Saturday’s 10 race Randwick meeting, respectively.
Promising juvenile colt War Eternal (NZ) (Pierro) will headline Baker's strong contingent of runners when he steps out in the opening race over 1400 metres
The NZ$160,000 2020 New Zealand Bloodstock Karaka Sale purchase by Baker and Clarke Bloodstock has shown plenty of ability in his first two starts and fought on strongly to claim second position at Warwick Farm most recently.
War Eternal (NZ) as a yearling
Baker said War Eternal will be granted the opportunity to measure up over further distance in the spring if he fulfils internal expectations on Saturday.
“His last run he was strong at the finish and we thought 1400 metres was the right option as we also see him get in pretty well at the weights," Baker said.
“From day dot he has always shown ability and third-up he looks pretty well set to run out a strong 1400 metres, as he has natural gate speed, and it wouldn’t be out of the question to see him lead from barrier four.”
Baker has been pleased by the progression of consistent Written Tycoon filly Miss Jay Fox since finishing second in a midweek BM72 contest last Wednesday.
He said the classy Torryburn Stud graduate remains sharp in her work and deserves to break through for her maiden Saturday city success in Race 3 on the program.
“She’s holding up great, she’s never looked better and her coat is holding up in great order,” Baker said.
“She’s (Miss Jay Fox) holding up great, she’s never looked better and her coat is holding up in great order.” - Bjorn Baker
“From gate one we will look to lead, and she’s been running really well. So, on form alone, she should run really well again because she hasn’t shown us otherwise."
Snitzel mare Exotic Ruby is another talented member of the fairer sex capable of notching up her first city success on Saturday, according to Baker.
“She’s been running really well; she’s going well and always puts her best foot forward but from barrier nine we may need a little bit of luck. However, we’ve got the right man in James McDonald to get us there,” Baker said.
Baker believes all nine of his runners are genuine winning chances on Saturday and that he is well-positioned to draw clear of Cummings.
He said he is excited by the challenge of going head-to-head with Cummings until the 2020/21 season draws to a conclusion at Randwick on July 31.
James Cummings | Image courtesy of Bronwen Healy
“I didn’t expect to be in this position in equal second place, especially at the start of the season because I had a slow first half, but things have really picked up and it’s very enjoyable when you’re competitive week in, week out,” Baker said.
“One thing we do really well is get our horses to city grade and have them come back really well every time and improve, and that is one reason why we’ve been able to make that city breakthrough.
“So, getting my horses to the city is one thing I really want to keep focusing on because it wasn’t too long ago that people were teasing me for winning so many country races and this year, we’ve turned that statistic around.”
| 2020/21 | 54 | $5,027,125 |
| 2019/20 | 56 | $4,693,335 |
| 2018/19 | 24 | $2,423,115 |
| 2017/18 | 36 | $2,963,650 |
| 2016/17 | 38 | $2,710,055 |
| 2015/16 | 25 | $2,015,050 |
Table: Bjorn Baker's total metropolitan winners per season and prizemoney.
| 2020/21 | 29 | $833,225 |
| 2019/20 | 37 | $951,880 |
| 2018/19 | 22 | $768,930 |
| 2017/18 | 29 | $898,710 |
| 2016/17 | 37 | $1,204,930 |
| 2015/16 | 43 | $917,285 |
Table: Bjorn Baker's total provincial winners per season and prizemoney.
| 2020/21 | 32 | $617,085 |
| 2019/20 | 35 | $801,385 |
| 2018/19 | 48 | $952,535 |
| 2017/18 | 41 | $765,270 |
| 2016/17 | 40 | $730,375 |
| 2015/16 | 46 | $611,395 |
Table: Bjorn Baker's total country winners per season and prizemoney.
