โSheโs looks to have come through the run really well. She backed up last year after the Golden Eagle in the Champions Mile, and she went really well that day, so from that point of view we were really comfortable, and sheโs ready to go.
โAnd of course, she ran well at Randwick on Saturday, so sheโs definitely in the race.โ
โIt was a big thrill, we needed a big win over the Championships.โ
Bjorn Baker on his success in the Doncaster Mile
Stefi Magnetica looked a good thing beaten, stuck behind a wall of horses, when fifth in the $10 million Golden Eagle in the spring. She was then a length behind Mr Brightside when fourth in the Champions Mile at Flemington a week later.
Beyond Saturday, Baker was eyeing more rich features in the spring with his now two-time group 1 winner.
โThere was a bit of thinking that we may well head back to Brisbane, but now sheโs won the Doncaster, sheโll more than likely go for a break after Saturday,โ he said.
โShe could still have a good break, and then weโll probably look at the [$5 million] King Charles on Everest Day in the spring.โ
Also on Saturday, Baker has consistent performer Arapaho, a $20 hope from gate 12, in the $2 million Sydney Cup (3200m) with Rachel King to ride.
โHeโs going great. His runs have all been fantastic,โ he said.
โHe ran fourth in the Sydney Cup two years ago. That day they went pretty quick up front and he was right there, so we may just look to ride him a little bit colder.โ
Within The Law returns three weeks after her spectacular fall through the inside rail at the back of the field in the Golden Slipper to race in the $1 million group 2 Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m).
Baker said a cut from the fall had healed well and the Sweet Embrace Stakes winner was ready to bounce back.
Jason Collett after winning the Doncaster Mile aboard Stefi Magnetica.Credit: Getty Images
โShe galloped really well Tuesday morning, and she trialled well last week,โ Baker said.
โWe were pretty confident going into the Slipper, and then, of course, the wide gate worked against her, and it didnโt work out well, but Iโm confident.
โSheโs got a really good gate, so she doesnโt have to get all the way back, and sheโs definitely got the ability to be right in the finish.โ
Loading
He also has Wellington Boot runner-up Alabama Charm ($101) in the race.
โNo doubt sheโs going to have to improve a fair margin, stepping up to this grade,โ he said.
โBut sheโs rock-hard fit and well, and if she gets back and they go quick enough up front, sheโs not completely out of it.โ
Another horse stepping up for Baker is former Chris Waller-trained colt Imperial Force, a $285,000 buy for Darby Racing which has won his past two starts in benchmark grade. He was a $23 chance in the group 2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint.
โHis trial was excellent last week, and I think heโs improved again,โ he said.
โHeโs going to need to be, but heโs got a great gate, heโll be able to put himself there with no pressure, and I couldnโt be happier with how heโs going. I really believe heโs a knockout chance.โ