Bjorn Baker gives his Doncaster Mile winner Stefi Magnetica a chance to upset Fangirl in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes

Trainer Bjorn Baker couldn’t be happier with his Doncaster Mile winner Stefi Magnetica and is confident she will handle the back-up as she strives for a third Group 1 win at Randwick.

Trainer Bjorn Baker was back to reality at Warwick Farm jumpouts on Thursday morning but Stefi Magnetica could quickly put him back on cloud nine in Saturday’s Group 1 $1m Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick.

Stefi Magnetica delivered Baker the victory he’s been craving with a sensational win in last Saturday’s Group 1 Doncaster Mile on day one of The Championships.

Baker described it as the major he “needed” post-race in one of Sydney’s most “iconic” races and has high hopes of enjoying another career highlight over the famous Randwick mile.

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“She has done a remarkable job so we are happy,” Baker said.

“She pulled up in great order, doesn’t look any different so she’s come through the run really well.

“It gives us confidence that she has backed up well before in the Champions Mile and her run there was very good.

“She looks to have drawn a good gate there on Saturday at this stage so from that point of view we are very happy.”

Jason Collett will continue his association with Stefi Magnetica from barrier four with the mare on the second line of betting at $5.

Baker recognises star mare Fangirl ($1.95 favourite) will take beating.

“Fangirl will be very hard to beat but you have to be in it to win and she can go close again,” he said.

Baker has his eyes on a Group 1 double this weekend with evergreen stayer Arapaho lining up in the Group 1 $2m Sydney Cup (3200m).

Arapaho finished fourth in the same race last year and comes into the staying test off a fourth in the Group 1 Tancred Stakes.

Stradbroke winner Stefi Magnetica reigns supreme in the G1 Doncaster Mile, as @BBakerRacing and Jason Collett celebrate another success ! 🙌@aus_turf_club | @WorldPoolpic.twitter.com/13Mkg5tEdS

— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 5, 2025

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There was an option of dropping the back to 2000m for the Queen Elizabeth but Baker was happy to give Arapaho another chance over two miles.

“It was a bit of a catch 22 because he is a bit vulnerable at two miles but the field in the Queen Elizabeth is just so good,” he said.

“He ran fourth in this race last year and I think he is going as well as that.

“We are happy with him going into it, obviously being a tough race with 20 runners over two miles so it should a great spectacle.”

Arapaho, a $19 chance, will need to overcome an awkward draw in barrier 12 but Baker believes it could be beneficial.

“I think last time the draw played against us a little bit, he ended up maybe overdoing it towards the pointy end,” he said.

“This time we might be able to put him more in his comfort zone to give him every chance to be him strong at the finish.”

Away from the Group 1s and Baker has several stakes chances across the card.

Within The Law ($5) is the best of them with the filly set to line-up alongside Alabama Charm ($101) in the Group 2 $1m Percy Sykes Stakes (1200m).

Within The Law was fortunate to avoid suffering a serious injury in the Golden Slipper when she went through the running rail, tossing jockey Jason Collett in the process.

WITHIN THE LAW wins the @inglis_sales Nursery!

A @Darby_Racing quinella as the @BBakerRacing filly holds off the Waterhouse/Bott trained colt Cobra Club to win the $500,000 2yo feature at Randwick with Sequista in third. @tabcomaupic.twitter.com/sIwrVY67b5

— Racing NSW (@racing_nsw) December 14, 2024

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The daughter of Lucky Vega, a winner of the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes, has trialled well since and can get a hefty consolation prize in the Percy Sykes.

“She has come through it great and her trial last week was excellent,” Baker said.

“It’s funny game because Jason Collett is on it again.

“I think she is well. She galloped really well on Tuesday morning and she goes in there as a legitimate contender and a big chance again.

“Alabama Charm is going to be up against it but you’ve got to be in to win.”

Imperial Force ($18) races in the same Darby Racing silks of Within The Law and can score an important win in the Group 2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m).

Darby Racing bought the colt on Inglis Digital in September last year for $285,000 and the son of Snitzel has already won both starts for Baker.

“Darby can find them and he’s another one,” Baker said.

“I think he’s improved since his last win, which was a phenomenal win.

“Once again he’s up against a filly that has done everything she could but I think he’s going better than ever and he looks great.

“I think he can run a big race at good odds.”

Queues Likely is a $101 outsider in the Group 2 $300,000 Sapphire Stakes (1200m).

Originally published as Bjorn Baker gives his Doncaster Mile winner Stefi Magnetica a chance to upset Fangirl in the Queen Of The Turf Stakes