3 minute read

After a run of strong performances, Parry Sound has posted his first victory for Bjorn Baker.

He had been thereabouts in nine outings since joining the Bjorn Baker camp and Parry Sound ($26) has finally posted that illusive victory in the Group 3 Summer Cup at Royal Randwick. 

Originally trained by John O'Shea, Parry Sound put six placings together on the bounce for Baker last campaign, with four of them coming at Listed level. 

The Pierro gelding had taken a bit of time to come to hand this time in work, but put it all together at Randwick on Sunday beating Criaderas ($4.60) by three quarters of a length with Polly Grey ($9.50) a head back in third. 

Parry Sound's first victory for the Baker stable was not lost on the Warwick Farm-based conditioner, who acknowledges that his previous trainer had done some of the hard yards.

"This guy was a ready-made horse when I got him (two campaigns ago)," Baker said. 

"If you look at his last preparation, he deserves that. He ran some super races over ground last time." 

With the six-year-old being Magic Millions carnival eligible Baker will now head straight into the $960,000 Subzero over 2400m and is hopeful of a strong showing over the staying test, and in the auction ring.

"The aim was to get back up at the Magic Millions, that sets him up very nicely up to the 2400m," Baker said. 

"We'll take him up with a bit of confidence, and we'll bid with a bit more confidence and hope to get a lot more owners in. 

"You need new investment, new owners and new faster horses." 

It was the second win on the card for the combination of trainer Baker and jockey Brock Ryan, who had saluted on his Criterion mare Lady Of Luxury in the race prior. 

"I think Brock might've ridden one winner for me before, maybe in the country," Baker said. 

"So fair to say I like him a lot. I'll be using him a lot." 

Ryan was grateful for the opportunities Baker had given him in a Group 3 and felt Parry Sound was now well into his preparation. 

"He was a bit more switched on today and put himself more into the race. He gave me a good feel through the line." Ryan said. 

"He's (Baker) thrown me half a book of rides today and it's good to capitalise and get a couple of winners for him," 

Boilover in the Summer Cup! Parry Sound bursts through to get the Group 3 win in a busy finish. Brock Ryan and @BBakerRacing get the race-to-race double. pic.twitter.com/XBZQdtCfQM

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) December 26, 2021