Baker to test JJ Atkins plans for Ocean Emperor
The road north beckons for Ocean Emperor as Bjorn Baker considers a JJ Atkins campaign but the wants to see the two-year-old prove himself again at Randwick on Saturday.
The son of Written Tycoon was a winner on debut on the Kensington track last month and Baker decided to give him an extra week to get the timing right for a Brisbane trip.
Bjorn Baker thinks Ocean Emperor can continue on his winning ways.Credit:AAP
“I liked the way to did it on the Kenso and he is just getting better,” Baker said. “It is another step up for him on Saturday, but I think he is up to it, the way he goes about things at home.
“It is a good test because I think a lot of other trainers are thinking about Brisbane with their horses on Saturday and gives you an idea where you stand.
"He will be better for that first run and has continued to step up and switch on at home.
“He did it at both ends in that win, which is a very good sign, and we gave him another trial since just to keep him up to the mark because he is still learning.
“I think the extra [distance] of 1200m will suit him and you might see a very nice horse.”
Baker has a busy day at Randwick, doubling up in six of the nine races, but indicated that Hinchbeast would probably come out of the two-year-old race.
“I think he will be better suited in a 1400m race next week,” he said. "He is not as sharp as the other fella."
Ocean Emperor is the only Baker runner shorter than a double-figure quote in the early betting as $5.50 second favourite for the Central Coast Mariners Handicap but the trainer feels he has a few chances.
"It is one of those days where I would expect them all to run well and if things go our way, we could have a couple of winners," Baker said.
“A horse like Sophiella is first-up and won in town last time in. She has always been very good fresh. I think she could get a soft run, she will be flying at the end.
“Soldier Of Love and Miss Einstein come out of the same race last time and have improved. It is a pretty similar field so I can also see them being in the finish.”
It is Canasta, however, whom Baker said punters should give forgive after his disappointing effort last week.
“He has had a good week and that’s why I’m backing him up. For some reason he just was never comfortable last week,” Baker said.
“He is a good stayer and capable of winning a race like this and maybe even better races. The extra trip will help him and I would be very surprised if he doesn’t run well.”
Baker will saddle Crack Me Up and Redouble in the Takeover Target Stakes as they return from spells.
"They are both up to this level and could surprise," he said.