By Ray Hickson
Magpies don’t swoop with as much effect as in-form sprinter Disneck has been going about it in recent weeks and trainer Bjorn Baker sees no reason why he can’t do it again on Saturday.
Disneck has made the Randwick 1200m his own in recent weeks, scoring narrowly on December 14 then with more authority under 59kg last weekend.
Baker said it’s satisfying to see the four-year-old put two wins together and won’t change anything going into the Precise Air Handicap (1200m).
“He’s really put it together and we’ve got our pattern right, riding him dead cold, so that’s been a big help,’’ Baker said.
“He probably gets a good race to be ridden cold on Saturday, it’s not a big field, so hopefully he can be in striking distance.”
When Disneck won on December 14 he started $12, while last Saturday he was a $5 chance and with those wins he was $2.70 with TAB on Thursday to complete the hat-trick.
Punter’s Intelligence sectional data showed Disneck produced a superior turn of foot from the back last weekend, in a steadily run race, running 33.79 for his last 600m (four lengths faster than anything else).
As a younger horse, Disneck was tried at Group 1 level in the Sires’ Produce but took time to work his way back through the grades to the point Baker would consider something stronger if he can maintain winning form.
“He’s going super, he’s a horse that’s always promised a lot,’’ he said.
“He was very good as an early two-year-old and he lost his way but he’s definitely back on track. I guess we learned he is better just ridden very quiet.
“He’s backed up before but that was on wet tracks. I don’t think he had a tough run last week, he seems really bright and well so we can’t knock him.”
Baker will be relying on Perfumist to fly the stable flag in the Captivant @ Kia Ora Handicap (1400m) with the trainer saying Arriving Home will likely run in Queensland, if anywhere, this weekend.
The filly is also in line for a hat-trick following wins at Mudgee and Canterbury in December.
“She’s a nice filly and was really good last time,’’ Baker said.
“She’s back in trip slightly but she has a good gate and I think she will definitely be able to sit closer.
“Her work on Tuesday was very good and she’s a good chance with Arriving Home out of the race. She’s been work in progress and I think she is starting to put it together.”
Cinque Torri is one of the outsiders in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap (1400m) but Baker warned he shouldn’t be overlooked in the small field after a return that pleased the trainer.
Disneck wins at Randwick on December 28
The six-year-old was beaten four lengths by Accredited two weeks ago and while that horse is among his rivals again Baker said there’s significant improvement to come.
“He’s a horse I didn’t think I’d ever really be confident he’d run well on a Saturday but I do think he is going well,’’ he said.
“I thought his run first-up was good, second-up at 1400m suits ideally. From a good gate in a small field he’s going to get his opportunity.”
All the fields, form and replays for Saturday’s Randwick meeting