Bjorn Baker to nominate three-year-old pair for Ranvet Stakes

Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker missed the deadline to nominate Maurice’s Medad’s and War Eternal for the Rosehill Guineas.

Maurice's Medad is set to be nominated for the Ranvet. Pcture: Reg Ryan–Racing Photos via Getty Images

Bjorn Baker is set to throw a three-year-old in the mix in Saturday‘s Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) with a Rosehill Guineas assault off the table for stablemates Maurice’s Medad and War Eternal.

After missing the chance to nominate for the Guineas, Baker will plot an alternate path with his Australian Derby nominated three-year-olds next weekend.

A date with the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes is one of the surprise options for the duo, who would need to take on Australia’s champion galloper Verry Elleegant in the feature.

Not since Gold Guru in 1998 has a three-year-old won the Ranvet Stakes.

The Baker pair will also be nominated for assignments in Melbourne.

“We galloped War Eternal left handed on Saturday morning so we will definitely nominate him in Melbourne as well,” Baker said.

“He is still a Pierro colt so we will have to give a bit of thought about (Ranvet) but we will see what happens.

Bjorn Baker is considering running a three-year-old against Verry Elleegant in Saturday’s Ranvet at Rosehill. Picture: Jenny Evans–Getty Images

“Maurice’s Medad actually ran a great race in the Australian Guineas but we will definitely nominate in the Ranvet.”

Maurice’s Medad travelled to Melbourne after the Hobartville Stakes and finished midfield in eighth in the Australian Guineas at Flemington.

War Eternal produced a solid effort on the same day in Sydney, finishing just outside the placings when fourth in the Randwick Guineas.

TAB rate War Eternal as the better chance for the stable in the Australian Derby at $26 while Maurice’s Medad is $51.

A small field is expected for the Ranvet Stakes where Verry Elleegant is a clear $1.70 favourite with TAB.

Assistant trainer to Chris Waller Charlie Duckworth confirmed Verry Elleegant and Group 1 winner Hungry Heart will be nominated for the race with the latter also in the George Ryder Stakes.

The $4.50 second elect Think It Over was runner up in Saturday’s Australia Cup and will head to the Tancred Stakes next.

Originally published as Bjorn Baker to nominate three-year-old pair for Ranvet Stakes