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By Tony Megahey

If there’s any space left on the Baker bandwagon, jump on as the spectacular ride is set to continue with select newcomers at Nowra’s TAB meeting on Friday.

Bjorn has an opinion of progressive lesser tiered youngsters that offer his South African jockey Heavelon Van Der Hoven further opportunities, along with promising regional apprentice Jackson Searle.

Rupertson (Ashley Morgan; no.1) defies all challengers at Orange. Image by Janian McMillan (Racing Photography)

Baker’s double at headquarters on Saturday with Parry Sound in the Group 3 Summer Cup and promising Lady of Luxury continued a phenomenal season that has Baker second to Chris Waller in the Metropolitan Trainers' premiership.

And with a 14.9% winning strike and far less numbers, Baker is marginally ahead of Godolphin.

Nowra is among numerous regional tracks within a reasonable travel span from Warwick Farm for Baker to educate newcomers where South African Brandon Lerena has excelled, now followed by compatriot Der Hoven with four winners so far for the stable.

He rides speedy Orange maiden winner Rupertson progressing to the Nightcap at the Archer BM58 Handicap (1000m), also Joyzel in a later Lightning Plumbing F&M Maiden (1200m) where Searle rides Little Miss Magic in the same race and drawn wide against after solid runs at Bathurst and Wyong.

And three-race winner Russbuss is in the fifth event, the Archer Hotel Nowra Class 3 (1200m). Baker was upbeat on a capacity program.

“Rupertson is promising, has natural speed and can certainly go back-to-back; he also drew wide winning at Orange and he’s progressed,” Baker assessed.

Little Miss Magic has a more favourably draw in two than Joyzel (12) in a capacity maiden.

“Happy to run them both, we’ll be positive from the draw with Little Miss Magic, she’s an improver off both runs and trials.

“The blinkers go on Joyzel and she’s made improvement as well - both are nice fillies."

Three- race winner Russbuss is value as a speed mare with an inside draw, vital at tight and turning Nowra.

“She's suited back in grade here, been competitive in town and fitter for racing this time in. The 1200m is about as far as she wants, but she’s drawn, and she’ll be on-pace in a suitable race.”

After recent rains Nowra remains a Soft 6 in fine weather for the New Year’s Eve meeting that will attract many holiday makers in the Shoalhaven.

View the final fields with full form & race replays for Nowra here