Cover image courtesy of First Light Racing
Lot 957 - All Too Hard x Miss Rose De Lago (Encosta De Lago), filly, $200,000
Buyer: Bjorn Baker Racing/Clarke Bloodstock Pty Ltd (FBAA)
Vendor: Widden Stud
After a long day across the road, trainer Bjorn Baker could have been forgiven for having an early night, but the larrikin trainer completed some of his best work yet in the final stanza of Book 1, signing for a filly by All Too Hard for $200,000 on Saturday.
Baker, who spoke to The Thoroughbred Report following the purchase, shared his excitement at securing a promising filly, at a price that he suspected he may have to pay a shade more for.
Lot 957 - All Too Hard x Miss Rose De Lago (filly) | Image courtesy of Magic Millions
“I think she is a lovely filly, she’s strong, athletic, and obviously off Widden Stud, one of the best breeders, she’s got a really good pedigree (too).
“The mother was obviously a superstar, and we’re thrilled to get her, we thought she had a lot of quality, she moved beautifully, and I’ve had a bit of luck with the All Too Hards as well.”
Before Baker, who will celebrate his birthday on Sunday, could provide further insight, this reporter's interview expanded to two, with industry titan Gerry Harvey jumping in to give his thoughts on Baker's ability to extract value in a crowded market.
“He bought a Group 1 horse off me (Music Magnate) for $45,000, that means he is a great judge.
“He (Bjorn Baker) bought a Group 1 horse off me (Music Magnate) for $45,000, that means he is a great judge.” - Gerry Harvey
“Not many people can buy Group 1 winners at that price, people will pay $1 million to try and get one, this bloke (Baker) can get one for $45,000.”
Reflecting on the purchase at the 2013 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Yearling Sale, Baker recalled, “I said, ‘Mr Harvey it’s so cheap I feel like I’m making money.’”
“I said, ‘Mr Harvey it’s so cheap I feel like I’m making money.’” - Björn Baker
Returning to his savvy Saturday cash-splash, Baker said of his yearling purchasing strategy, “It’s a big sale, at the start of the year, you have to be really active.
“I think we’ve bought really nice, athletic horses, and physically I’m very happy to train the bunch that we’ve got.
“You’ve definitely got to back yourself, in terms of the numbers we’ve got, and the quality we’ve got, plus the team I’ve got around me (it helps set me up for success).
“I’ve managed to consistently be in the top five (trainers) in Sydney for the last six years, and I think we’ve definitely got to target getting these better horses to target the big races, which no doubt everybody (else) wants to be included in.
Bjorn Baker | Image courtesy of Ashlea Brennan
“We thought we’d be paying a little bit more (for Lot 957), she’s a really good type and she’s got a great page, she’s very hard not to like when you see her.
“I always try and stick within my budget, in terms of what I’m comfortable with (paying), and I think she’s going to give myself and hopefully the clients coming in every possible chance (of making a return on investment).”
This filly is the first to be publicly offered by quality racemare Miss Rose De Lago (Encosta De Lago), who was a star performer across both Western Australia and Victoria, highlighted with success in the G2 Sunline S. and the G2 PB Lawrence S.
