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Bjorn Baker will saddle up some strong chances at Newcastle, including consistent gelding Kiss The Bride.
The stable's top ranked stayer She's Ideel is enjoying a well-earned spell after a midfield finish in the Melbourne Cup, but trainer Bjorn Baker still has some ammunition to fire this spring.
The Warwick Farm trainer will take a handy team to Saturday's feature stand-alone meeting at Newcastle led by Prime Candidate in The Hunter (1300m) and Kiss The Bride in the inaugural running of The Beauford (2300m).
Kiss The Bride has been in consistent form, posting a win at Randwick in September and finishing third at his past two starts in the Spring Mile (1600m) and the Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m).
He came from second last on the turn to be beaten just over a length by high-class galloper Think It Over at his most recent appearance and from barrier five on Saturday, Baker again expects him to acquit himself well.
"He's got to carry a bit more weight but we're really happy with how he's going," Baker said.
"He's been running really well and he's got a good gate on Saturday, so we'll just put him in his comfort zone."
Prime Candidate has earned a shot at the $1 million The Hunter (1300m) after a stakes placing behind Quantico at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day.
A winner up to 1400 metres, the gelding has drawn ideally in barrier three and will make his own luck on speed.
"Robbie Dolan on, good gate and he won't know himself with 54 kilos," Baker said.
"It's a tough race, no doubt about it, but he couldn't be going any better."
Prime Candidate is a $16 chance for The Hunter, while Classique Legend Stakes runner-up Lost And Running is an easing $4.20 favourite after drawing barrier 17, although he will start from 14 if the emergencies don't run.
Former European Top Ranked has been the significant firmer, in from $6 to $4.80 after coming up with gate seven.
Now trained by Annabel Neasham, Top Ranked is Group 1 placed in England and will be making his Australian debut with man of the moment James McDonald aboard.
The stable's top ranked stayer She's Ideel is enjoying a well-earned spell after a midfield finish in the Melbourne Cup, but trainer Bjorn Baker still has some ammunition to fire this spring.
The Warwick Farm trainer will take a handy team to Saturday's feature stand-alone meeting at Newcastle led by Prime Candidate in The Hunter (1300m) and Kiss The Bride in the inaugural running of The Beauford (2300m).
Kiss The Bride has been in consistent form, posting a win at Randwick in September and finishing third at his past two starts in the Spring Mile (1600m) and the Rosehill Gold Cup (2000m).
He came from second last on the turn to be beaten just over a length by high-class galloper Think It Over at his most recent appearance and from barrier five on Saturday, Baker again expects him to acquit himself well.
"He's got to carry a bit more weight but we're really happy with how he's going," Baker said.
"He's been running really well and he's got a good gate on Saturday, so we'll just put him in his comfort zone."
Prime Candidate has earned a shot at the $1 million The Hunter (1300m) after a stakes placing behind Quantico at Flemington on Melbourne Cup day.
A winner up to 1400 metres, the gelding has drawn ideally in barrier three and will make his own luck on speed.
"Robbie Dolan on, good gate and he won't know himself with 54 kilos," Baker said.
"It's a tough race, no doubt about it, but he couldn't be going any better."
Prime Candidate is a $16 chance for The Hunter, while Classique Legend Stakes runner-up Lost And Running is an easing $4.20 favourite after drawing barrier 17, although he will start from 14 if the emergencies don't run.
Former European Top Ranked has been the significant firmer, in from $6 to $4.80 after coming up with gate seven.
Now trained by Annabel Neasham, Top Ranked is Group 1 placed in England and will be making his Australian debut with man of the moment James McDonald aboard.
