Bjorn Baker is set to have a strong hand in the $1.5 million Alan Brown Stakes at Rosehill with his team spearheaded by two-time New Zealand Group One winner Belclere.
Baker has nominated five horses for Saturday’s 1400m race and believes it shapes as an ideal target for Belclere, who has been kept up to the mark with a barrier trial fourth behind stablemate Overpass since her Australian debut in the Sheraco Stakes last month.
“She trialled brilliantly on Friday, she is going to have an easy gallop tomorrow (Tuesday) and we’re really excited about her,” Baker said.
“She is already a dual Group One winner in New Zealand and from what we’ve seen, we couldn’t be happier with her.
“She gets into a handicap race, she probably gets in with an OK weight, touch wood, and she is a high-class mare.”
Belclere led at a strong tempo when fifth to Sunshine In Paris in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m) but seven of her 11 career-wins have been over 1400m.
Baker said the mare had genuine excuses first-up and with Rachel King going on stablemate Iknowastar in the Alan Brown, Tyler Schiller will take over the steering.
“It just didn’t quite work out that day. The saddle slipped slightly, and I think she will be better with another trial and a few weeks between runs,” Baker said.
Iknowastar resumes in the Alan Brown Stakes following a consistent late-season campaign in which he managed a top-three finish in all seven runs, including a trio at black-type level.
While he hasn’t won first-up, he has looked sharp in his two trial wins and Baker says he has a strong fitness foundation.
“He’s trialled very, very well and he’s ready to run a race too. He has come back in great order,” he said.
“He performed really well last preparation, so I’m looking forward to him going there with a good weight. He is definitely a chance.”
Stablemates Arapaho, Battleton and Robusto also hold nominations for the Alan Brown, the race a campaign starting point for the former, who has raced just four times since capturing the 2023 Tancred Stakes (2400m).
Baker said Arapaho, who will be partnered by Josh Parr, had returned in great order and could head towards the Craven Plate (1800m) in late October.