Bjorn Baker to saddle up Arapaho, Robusto and War Eternal in Group 1 Winx Stakes

Baker has been in Europe but will be back in time for the first Group 1 meeting of the season in Sydney as he attempts to win the Winx Stakes for a second time.

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In 2019, his former star Samadoubt caused a boilover as a $31 outsider to lead all of the way in the 1400m weight-for-age test.

Robusto ($14) wears the same Darby Racing silks of Baker’s former Group 1 winner with the stable hoping the last-start winner can use his fitness edge to catch first-up rivals, including Via Sistina, Fangirl, Gringotts and Ceolwulf, on the hop.

“Robusto is very fit and a happy horse at the moment,” Baker’s assistant trainer Luke Hilton said.

“He looks fantastic and he couldn’t be any better.

“The really heavy track wouldn’t be of great benefit to him but he has got fitness on his side.”

Rachel King has made the journey back in time from Japan to pilot Arapaho, a $26 chance, in his first assignment this spring.

The pair combined to win the Group 1 Sydney Cup (3200m) in the autumn with the veteran stayer set for similarly lofty targets later in the spring.

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“Arapaho will definitely benefit from the run but he gets through the wet track and it will probably make it a bit more of a testing 1400m,” Hilton said.

“It might make it more like a mile which will suit him.

“He is well and is just kicking off his campaign but always runs well fresh in these races.”

War Eternal thrived in heavy conditions to win at Rosehill Gardens last week with the win encouraging Baker to have a look at snaring a surprise Group 1.

But the seven-year-old could also line up 24 hours later at Goulburn.

“We will accept in the Goulburn Cup on Sunday and have a look at both,” Hilton said.

“He is a horse on the back-up, is fit and racing well and we are hoping for a genuine heavy track where he could catch a few with fitness.”

Via Sistina has opened as a $2.80 favourite as she goes in pursuit of back-to-back Winx Stakes victories.

Stablemates Fangirl ($6), Aeliana ($8) and Full Count Felicia ($34) are all set to make their spring returns.

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Waller also has the favourite for the Group 3 $250,000 Premier’s Cup (2000m) with Saltcoats ($2.40) where 10 runners have accepted.

Waller has picked the Group 3 $250,000 Toy Show Quality (1100m) as unbeaten mare Autumn Glow’s return, leaving General Salute ($4.20) as the top pick in the Group 3 $250,000 Show County Quality (1200m).

Unbeaten filly Agarwood ($2.30) is the horse to beat in a field of 11 for the Group 2 $300,000 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m).

Originally published as Bjorn Baker to saddle up Arapaho, Robusto and War Eternal in Group 1 Winx Stakes