A month ago Drachenfels was part of the ‘blue army’ but the honest five-year-old will be decked out in Bjorn Baker’s blue colours looking for a breakthrough win at Rosehill on Saturday.
Trainer Bjorn Baker (Pic: Steve Hart).
When the opportunity arose to buy Drachenfels from Godolphin, Baker snapped him up as an ideal horse to give a new syndicate a chance at a quick return.
“I thought he was a horse that we could place,’’ Baker said.
“We have a new syndicate, we’ve been a bit quiet on Saturdays and it’s nice to get a horse like him.
“I’ve got him into our system and into the routine. He knows what he’s doing and has been pretty straightforward.’’
Drachenfels, a winner of four from 18, has placed third at his last two starts and is back in benchmark company after a trademark fast finishing third behind Tactical Advantage in a 1000m Flying at Randwick on October 1.
In that race he produced the second fastest last 600m (behind the winner) of 33.03 and last 200m of 11.44.
Despite the class drop the gelding is a $13 chance with TAB in the Bradford Black Handicap (1200m).
While he hasn’t won since taking out a similar event at Rosehill in December last year he beat Lanciato in third place in that win and also downed Group winner Princess Posh around this time a year ago.
“He’s a nice horse and has done everything well, his gallops have been encouraging and he has a soft gate (one),’’ Baker said.
“It’s not a bad start for the owners with a runner on Saturday. Adam (Hyeronimus) is riding well and if he runs up to his best he’s a chance.
“Hopefully the track plays evenly and he should run well.’’
And it may be a swansong for the out of form Embley who could be retired if he doesn’t find some form in the Lidoran Group (1900m).
The seven-year-old hasn’t won for 412 days (to Friday) and has only beaten three horses home in his five starts this campaign, and finished at the tail behind Smart As You Think at Randwick two weeks ago.
“It’ll possibly be his last start, he has to show something,’’ Baker said.
“He’s in good order, back on top of the track is a plus and the blinkers go on. It’s D Day for him.’’
– Racing NSW
