Trio has trainer spoilt for choice

BJORN Baker is a multiple Group 1-winning trainer but it’s not often he has three shooting for a major.

He’s got that many ready to win the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday to end the bumper autumn carnival.

The Warwick Farm-based trainer has Maurice’s Medad, Akahata and Wolfburn looking to top the dominant horses in the market, Hilal ($3.50), Captivant ($4) and Converge ($5.50).

Baker (pictured) will be positive with two of his runners and conservative with the other over the gruelling Randwick mile.

“Mine are all rock-hard fit and in there with a chance. They’re ready to go a mile which will hold them in good stead,” Baker said.

“Even Wolfburn, he’s still learning what it’s all about, but he’ll be suited to the mile and we’ll look to be positive with him and hopefully lead.

“I’m thinking he’ll lead Maurice’s Medad while Akahata will sit back off the speed.”

Maurice’s Medad and Akahata clashed last start when running second and third behind Converge in the Listed Fernhill (1600m).

But Maurice’s Medad had to be used up early on while his stablemate got the cushy run of the race in transit which is why punters slightly favour him, particularly after he drew barrier two.

“He had to do a fair bit of work and there was a bit more merit in that run. In hindsight, he might not have been in the best part of the track,” Baker said. “He’s probably my leading pick but I think Akahata is very genuine and he’ll prefer the better track on Saturday. I can’t really spilt Maurice’s Medad and Akahata. Wolfburn is not out of it though.”