Caballus ready to step up against crack field in Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick

Bjorn Baker concedes Caballus faces his biggest test in the Eskimo Prince Stakes even though the promising colt is favourite.

Caballus is the favourite against a hot field in the Eskimo Prince Stakes on Saturday. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Trainer Bjorn Baker is acutely aware of the considerable task confronting Caballus in the Group 3 $250,000 Silverdale Farm Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

“There are two Group 1 winners in the field, Tom Kitten and Griff, Encap has form around the best three-year-olds, Moravia, Celestial Legend and Makarena are very promising – it is going to be a fascinating race,’’ Baker said.

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Godolphin’s Tom Kitten was a stunning winner of the Spring Champion Stakes to close out his three-year-old spring campaign and the boom colt gives trainer James Cummings an opportunity to win a fourth Eskimo Prince Stakes in six years after his success with Aft Cabin (2023), Paulele (2022) and Kementari (2018).

The Ciaron Maher-trained Griff won three stakes during spring including the Caulfield Guineas while Gary Portelli’s Encap took out Ming Dynasty Quality and was just edged out by Militarize in the Godlen Rose.

Moravia, trained by Michael Freedman is highly regarded, Hall of Famer Les Bridge has a big opinion of Celestial Legend and the talented Team Hawkes-trained Makarena is attempting to become the first filly to win the Eskimo Prince Stakes since Ichihara in 2013.

Caballus too smart for them! 👌

Gets the win in his first run for the Bjorn Baker stable. @BBakerRacing@[e-mail]/lj6OodYrPN

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) January 20, 2024

Despite the quality of opposition, promising colt Caballus is the early TAB favourite at $4.60 ahead of Moravia at $5.

But the market reflects the evenness of the race with outsiders Celestial Legend and Makarena in commission at just $7.

Caballus, who cost $1m as a yearling at the Inglis Easter Sale then was purchased as a tried racehorse by Scott Darby of Darby Racing for $315,000 last spring, has earned top ranking in betting primarily because of his race fitness edge and obvious potential.

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Caballus goes to Randwick after a dynamic first-up win at Rosehill when making his debut for the Baker stable while his six rivals are resuming from spells.

“I thought Caballus was very good first-up, he is a lovely colt,’’ Baker said.

“The second (Wallenda), third (Soldier Of Rome) and fourth (Thunderlips) placegetters have all won since so the form out of the race has worked out well.

“We are really happy with him going into this race. This is another step up but we are hoping for the best.”

Caballus came from off speed and accelerated quickly in the straight to win the Rosehill race by a comfortable margin.

Although his racing pattern suggests he might get further, Baker believes the three-year-old is essentially a sprinter.

“I think he is definitely a shortcourse horse, that is my gut feeling,’’ Baker said.

“We are still learning about him and time will tell but I would say his best distances are up to 1200m.’’

Baker also has last-start winners Amor Victorious and Shezanalister poised to continue their form surges at Royal Randwick.

Amor Victorious, an impressive all-the-way winner when resuming over the Randwick 1400m course, goes up in grade and distance but is the $2.30 favourite for the ASI Solutions Handicap (1600m).

Amor Victorious can take the next step on Saturday after a dominant first-up win. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

“He’s a really promising horse and is starting to put together a very good record,’’ Baker said.

“What I like about him is he takes luck out of the equation by putting himself right here (on speed) and he’s very tough.

“This is another step up for him but I think he can continue to go through the grades.’’

Shezanalister is pressing for favouritism at $3.60 behind only Tintookie at $3.50 for the Precise Air Handicap (1200m).

Baker’s chestnut mare is living up to her name with impressive wins at Canterbury and Warwick Farm commanding a chance in Saturday grade.

“Shezanalister’s last two runs have been really good,’’ the trainer said.

“She’s a lovely, big strong mare with a nice, flexible racing pattern, her trackwork has been excellent, and Tommy (Berry) is keen on her.’’

Baker is also optimistic lightweight Canadian Ruler ($14) can run another competitive race in the Inglis Classic Yearling Sale Handicap (1600m).

Originally published as Caballus ready to step up against crack field in Eskimo Prince Stakes at Randwick