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By Ray Hickson

Within The Law’s casual approach to stable life almost fooled trainer Bjorn Baker.

Trainer Bjorn Baker (Pic: Bradley Photos).

The filly never struck Baker as an obvious Golden Slipper contender yet she’ll be his first runner in the $5 million feature at Rosehill on Saturday and the way his stable has been firing she’d be a genuine chance.

What he’s learned about Within The Law, as she’s collected three wins and a close second from four starts, is that she’s a big game performer.

“She’s just so casual and early days she was just doing everything okay,’’ Baker said.

“We were debating whether we would even go to the trials with her so she’s done a remarkable job to get there.

“She only did what was asked of her and you didn’t see any amazing ability until race day.”

It wasn’t until her second trial, behind Slipper rival North England, that Baker got an inkling of her potential and took the punt on sending her to Melbourne to debut in the Inglis Banner in November.

A month later she won the Inglis Nursery and came within half a length of completing a rare treble when a close second to Rivellino in the Inglis Millennium.

Clearly she was Slipper quality but there was a problem. She’d earned almost $1 million in those three starts but none of that money was eligible and she’d need to win an exempt race to get into the field.

A last stride win in the Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes (1200m) three weeks ago kept Baker’s dream alive.

“She had to win and she won well that day, she’s forced her way into the race and I think she deserves her opportunity,’’ he said.

“Her last win was excellent, she had to do it the hard way by covering ground and hitting the line well.

“I know that her best furlong of the race will be the last furlong and that’s the furlong that really does count in the Golden Slipper.”

The last Sweet Embrace winner to claim a Golden Slipper was Fireburn in 2022.

Coincidentally, that filly was trained by Gary Portelli whose first Slipper winner She Will Reign carried the same colours, those of Darby Racing, that Jason Collett will sport on Within The Law.

Baker, who sits a clear second on the Sydney Trainers Premiership, said he’s excited to be part of the Group 1 TAB Golden Slipper (1200m) and while Within The Law, $15 with TAB after drawing 13, surprised him early it wouldn’t surprise him at all if she’s first past the post.

“From a commercial point of view it’s the race that really counts,’’ he said.

“It’s a big race, it’s a tough race to win so at the end of the day you need luck. It’s about getting the right horse into the race and I think we have.

“After (Tuesday) my job is essentially done, she’ll go into her normal routine, and it’s great to have a runner win, lose, or draw.”

Collett will partner Stefi Magnetica for the first time in the Group 1 $1m George Ryder Stakes (1500m) and Baker would like to think it’s his mare’s turn for some good luck.

She endured a wide run when finishing eighth in the Canterbury Stakes (1300m) two weeks ago so he has to be forgiving.

“It was an awkward gate and it didn’t work out,’’ he said.

“She’s due some luck, she’s been a remarkably unlucky horse throughout her career with the exception probably the Stradbroke.

Within The Law wins the Sweet Embrace Stakes

“She galloped enormous (Tuesday) morning so I’m very happy with her. I think 1500m suits second up, we’ve done plenty with her.

“I think she is right up to it and her trackwork suggests she is on target.”

Meanwhile, Baker is expecting Our Anchorage to bounce back from his close fourth in the Randwick City Stakes, bringing an end to his winning streak, in the Group 3 $250,000 N E Manion Cup (2400m).

“I think the 2400m will suit, I think last time was probably a bit on the short side,’’ he said.

“He is needing all of that (distance) at the moment. If he can run well we’d love to get him to the Sydney Cup.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Golden Slipper at Rosehill