Master trainer does it again in Tulloch Stakes
Murray Baker has been plundering Aussie big-race riches for 30 years..
The Cambridge trainer was at it again on Saturday winning the Group II Tulloch Stakes at Rosehill for the fourth time in his glittering career.
It was the race in 1987 when Noel Harris kicked home Our Palliser, that Baker got his maiden Australian black-type win.
He won subsequent editions with The Bill and Harris Tweed.
Baker leads the current New Zealand premiership with his training partner Andrew Forsman, and on Saturday the partners won their 19th blacktype race this season - 16 at home and three across the Tasman.
New Zealand Derby placed Jon Snow won Saturday’s 2000m race to bank another A$115,000 for the stable clients - not bad for a $65,000 purchase by Forsman at the 2015 New Zealand Bloodstock Select Yearling Sale.
Jon Snow, who was ridden by Damian Lane, defeated Victoria Derby winner Prized Icon by two and three quarter lengths with Baker’s son Bjorn preparing thirdplaced Captain Duffy.
Forsman was mindful Jon Snow had endured a long preparation and was reluctant to commit to a start in the Australian Derby in the immediate aftermath of the victory.
‘‘We’ll talk to Damian and see what he thinks. See how he comes through the next couple of days. He has had a long hard prep,’’ Forsman said.
’’He ran the trip out strongly in the [New Zealand] Derby. He’s been running on hard tracks, the ground really helped him today.’’
He becomes another New Zealand raider setting sights on the $2.1 million Australian Derby, on April 8, winning a week after New Zealand Derby winner Gingernuts mastered the same heavy track in Sydney to claim the Rosehill Guineas.
The pair will clash in the race won last year by Kiwi contender Tavago who had was unlucky finishing out of the money in the NZ Derby.
‘‘It looks like we’ll back him [Jon Snow] up, Baker said on Sunday. ‘‘He’s come through Saturday well and he’s improving all the time.’’
Also at Randwick will be stablemates Bonneval ( Group I ATC Oaks) and Saracino (Arrowfield 3YO Sprint) who run on April 8.
Baker is pleased with their progress since last start success at Trentham.
‘‘Bonneval came through her Oaks win well and Saracino is thriving,’’ he said. ‘‘They are only three once so we will roll the dice and go to Sydney.’’