SHE’S JUST SIMPLY IDEEL

BULLISH trainer Bjorn Baker believes She’s Ideel is finally set to break through at stakes level in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday.

“I’ve got no doubt She’s Ideel is going better than she ever has,’’ Baker said. “She was brilliant first-up. She ran a slashing race but it wasn’t a tough race.

“Her residual fitness for last preparation helped; we haven’t had to do much with her since and she looks fantastic.’’

She’s Ideel resumed with a fast-finishing third, beaten by less than a half length, behind Mo’unga and Verry Elleegant in the Group 1 Winx Stakes two weeks ago.

Baker’s talented mare has twice been Group 1-placed this year after also finishing second to Sir Dragonet in the Tancred Stakes during the autumn.

She also ran fourth in the Group 1 Sydney Cup.

In fact, She’s Ideel ran a string of placings in big races last season, including finishing runner-up in the Aspiration Stakes and Rosehill Gold Cup, and recording thirds in the ATC St Leger, Epona Stakes and Millie Fox Stakes.

She’s Ideel has amassed nearly $890,000 prizemoney – without winning at Group 1 or Listed level in her 21-start career that has yielded five wins in restricted grade and 11 minor placings.

But Baker has She’s Ideel set to snap her stakes race jinx and give his stable a second Chelmsford Stakes after Samadoubt scored two years ago.

“I couldn’t be happier with her,’’ Baker said.

“If she gets the breaks during the race she will be right there at the finish.’’

She’s Ideel was rated at $7.50 in overnight TAB Fixed Odds betting behind Godolphin’s Cascadian at $3.10 favourite and Think It Over at $4.80.

Baker is also saddling up Fun Fact ($71) and said the stayer will do his “very best Samadoubt impersonation” by attempting to lead all the way in the Chelmsford.

“Fun Fact is great, his first-up run was excellent and he will lead so you won’t miss him,’’ Baker said.

“He is better over ground. He won the St Leger last year when he led. She’s Ideel was in that race and they couldn’t peg him back.

“A mile (1600m) is short of his best but he is going super and I give him half a chance.,’’

Cascadian, trained by James Cummings, is attempting to become the first horse to win the Doncaster MileChelmsford Stakes double in the same year since Emancipation in 1983.

Cummings said Cascadian was unlucky first-up when finishing fast for fifth in Mo’unga’s Winx Stakes.