Trainer Bjorn Baker has classy sprinter Overpass on track for big autumn targets
Feature races sprints across much of the nation are on the table for Bjorn Baker’s classy sprinter Overpass.
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Feature sprint races across much of the nation are on the table for Bjorn Baker’s classy sprinter Overpass.
The son of Vancouver had an extended spell after an unplaced effort in The Hunter with Baker eyeing off a late start to the autumn carnival in Sydney.
“He had a big workload last year and as much as you want them to be machines, they’re not,” he said.
“He’s a horse that always races well fresh up and he’s been gelded since he was last at the races so we are aiming up at the TJ (Smith Stakes) first-up.
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“I’m really happy with where the horse is at right now, he looks fantastic.
“He’ll be at the trials in the next couple of weeks.
“A couple of trials and an exhibition gallop and he’ll be ready to attack.
“I’m tipping him to have a big prep.”
Baker has identified races in four Australian states as potential targets but like the TJ Smith Stakes Australia’s newest slot race in Western Australia is firmly in his sights if Overpass can secure one of the 14 places.
“The TJ is possibly the only time we will see him in Sydney,” Baker said. “We’d love to get a shot at The Quokka, if any shot holders are out there.
“It’s in April and the timing is perfect – two weeks after the TJ.
“In Brisbane, you have the Victory Stakes and then fortnightly from then on you have the Doomben 10,000 (1200m) and the Kingsford-Smith Cup (1300m).
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“There’s also the Goodwood in Adelaide in May so there are plenty of suitable races around for him.”
Overpass is at $14 in early markets for The Quokka and $101 in TAB fixed odds market for the TJ Smith Stakes.
Three runners have already secured slots for The Quokka – Amelia’s Jewel, Bella Nipotina and Kissonallforcheeks.
The Quokka is a 1200m weight-for-age event which carries prizemoney totalling $4 million and will be run at Ascot on April 15.
Originally published as Trainer Bjorn Baker has classy sprinter Overpass on track for big autumn targets
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