By John Schell
Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker will take Dubbo by storm on Sunday when he lines up a four-pronged attack in the Dubbo City Toyota & Gilgandra Toyota “Big Dance Eligibility” Dubbo Gold Cup (1600m).
Baker has last start winners Amor Victorious and Iknowastar in the feature event, with Hollywood Hero and Cinque Torri joining those stablemates in the $100,000 event.
“It looks a nice race for them all,” said Baker.
“Amor Victorious heads into it on the back of some really good city form with a couple of wins at his last two starts.
“He was dominant in a Saturday race a couple runs ago and then he backed that up with an impressive win on the Kensington track.
“Jay Ford rides him and he has the tactical speed to overcome a wide alley.”
Iknowastar is on the quick back-up having scored at Mudgee last Sunday.
“He’s a horse on the way up,” Baker said of Iknowastar.
“He couldn’t have been any more impressive than he was at Mudgee, and while it’s a step up in class at Dubbo, I’m sure he’ll acquit himself well.
“He’s drawn a good gate and Rachel King will give him every chance. They’ll know he’s in the race.”
Hollywood Hero is only lightly raced, with two wins to his name from 10 starts, and Baker warns not to underestimate the four-year-old despite having a tricky barrier.
“He’s never too far away and has plenty of talent,” said Baker.
“I was happy with his run at Warwick Farm the other day when he ran second. If he puts his best foot forward then there’s no reason he can’t be in the thick of things.”
Ashley Morgan takes the ride on Hollywood Hero, while Louise Day will be aboard Cinque Torri.
“Cinque Torri showed improvement when he finished third on the Kensington track at his last start,” said Baker.
“He’s generally a pretty consistent performer and has the benefit of barrier one. He’s the roughest of mine in the betting, but it wouldn’t surprise me if he was to figure in the finish.”
Baker has already won the Murwillumbah Cup with Wategos to attract Big Dance eligibility.
Check out the fields, form and replays for Sunday's Dubbo meeting