Baker eyes Cox Plate jackpot with Warwoven
Bjorn Baker believes the connections of Warwoven (Sword Of State) are holding a winning lottery ticket, but victory in Saturday’s Gr.1 Cox Plate (2040m) at Flemington could make the prize considerably bigger.
The three-year-old son of Cambridge Stud stallion Sword Of State has established his stallion credentials with victories in the Gr.1 Golden Rose (1400m) and Gr.1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m), and now tackles older opposition.
Drawn barrier two for rider Rachel King, Warwoven will carry just 49.5kg, firming from $6 to $4.80.
The draw gives King options in the colt’s first attempt beyond a mile.
“I’m still big on drawing low. It’s generally the quickest way home and he’s got tactical speed, so Rachel will be able to put him where he’s comfortable,” Baker said.
“She’ll weigh it up in terms of how quick they go early. There are a few horses that may roll along.”
“We’re very happy with him. Condition-wise he looks fantastic. He’s definitely held his weight throughout the preparation.
“2040m is definitely another test, but in terms of speed and quality I think he’s got it.
“He gets in with no weight and Rachel can ride him well at the weight.”
King partnered Warwoven in an easy gallop last Friday and a stronger hit-out at Cranbourne on Tuesday.
“She was very happy with him. He recovered well,” Baker said. I think he got exactly what we needed out of it, so from that point of view we’re pretty happy with him.”
The prospect of anywhere between 3 and 20 mls of rain on Saturday adds another unkown variable to an intriguing race.
“Flemington does handle it well, but if they get it on the day and whilst the racing’s underway it can have a big impact,” Baker said.
Whatever unfolds on Saturday, Warwoven has already established himself as a hugely sought-after stallion prospect.
A three-time winner at two, including the Gr.3 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m), he was also a hot favourite for the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200m) before being withdrawn on the eve of the race.
Victories in the Golden Rose and Caulfield Guineas have assured a stud career but a Cox Plate victory against older opposition would elevate an already exceptional stallion résumé.
“If he happened to win the Cox Plate, it would really make him one of the best, if not the best horse in the country,” Baker said.
“Win, lose or draw come Saturday, he’s got a good home.
“I think the owners and myself, we haven’t collected on the lottery, but we’re sitting on the ticket.”
Warwoven’s success could also give Baker and his clients greater buying power at the yearling sales, with Sword Of State’s progeny firmly on the radar.
“As a trainer you want to buy the best possible young prospects you can,” Baker said.
“Maybe this allows myself and my clients, and particularly Jim [Clarke, bloodstock], to launch and try and buy the best young horses going.
“Sword Of State will definitely be on our hit list.”
