Baker’s winning run to continue this Saturday
The Bjorn Baker trained Cantonese is set to make his first attempt at Saturday metropolitan class when he contests the benchmark 85 AM plate over 2000m. Having won his last three starts, each time stepping up in grade and proving himself capable of more he looks set to be able to make in 4 in a row, “his work this morning was real good and he seems to be going from strength to strength” noted Bjorn.
Jenny Duggan will ride Cantonese having won on him at his last three starts and Baker is confident that the winning combination can continue with the help of Duggan’s claim bringing Cantonese down to 51kgs.
Englebrecht has Malavio ready for back to back wins
Malavio has impressed many with his continuous improvement and ability to win 7 races from 16 starts earning his connections over $260,000 in prize money and on Saturday his trainer Steve Englebrecht is hoping his successful run will continue. Though he has drawn a little awkwardly in barrier 10, Englebrecht is still confident that Malavio is a horse that has the ability to defeat his rivals.
“I’m very pleased with his progress since his last start and he keeps showing me improvement so I am looking forward to the weekend”.
Englebrecht is at this stage thinking about the Group 1 Villiers stakes for Malavio however is mindful that the usual path of Hawkesbury Cup to Villiers may be to Malavio’s detriment “ I’m mindful of racing him in the Hawkesbury Cup as it might jeapordise his chances in the Villiers through the handicapping system”.
Englebrecht stated that he will wait to see how the 4 year old gelding performs on Saturday before deciding on plans for the rest of the preparation.
By Gabrielle Englebrecht
Please view the above interviews in the Trackside TV section.
