Latest News

By Ray Hickson

Shades Of Rose started the year in a Bathurst maiden and will end it as a TAB Everest runner such has been the meteoric rise of Bjorn Baker’s smart mare.

Trainer Bjorn Baker (Pic: Bradley Photos).

The four-year-old, by the same sire as 2019 Everest winner Yes Yes Yes, fills Bon Ho’s slot that was left vacant after his star sprinter Classique Legend was forced out of the race earlier this month.

Baker, who this week also secured a slot for stablemate Overpass, said he and the mare’s owners are grateful for the chance to be a part of the $15 million feature at Royal Randwick on October 15.

“We were having a good look at the Sydney Stakes,’’ Baker said.

“Fortunately Mr Ho, who is a great supporter of Australian racing and is a client of mine, has given us the opportunity to go in his slot.

“Initially I had been in contact regarding Overpass, when he was picked up I put Shades Of Rose up to him and it evolved from there.

“He’s a gentleman and the Gillard family and I are delighted to be involved.”

Aside from the humble beginnings of a Bathurst maiden win back on January 22, Shades Of Rose infamously tried to throw Tim Clark off when the saddle slipped on her in her first-up run at Rosehill back on July 2.

It could have ended the preparation before it began but Baker regrouped and the mare put four wins together highlighted by the Group 2 Sheraco Stakes (1200m) on September 10.

As Baker mentioned, following Shades Of Rose’s Sheraco win he thought she’d be an ideal candidate for the $2 million Sydney Stakes on Everest Day.

He’s under no illusion about the task ahead but said the mare has shown a will to win, claiming seven of her nine starts, that will take her a long way.

“She’s done a remarkable job through the spring. No doubt this is going to be the biggest test you can give her,” he said.

“She couldn’t have done too much more and you’ve got to be in to win.

“Racehorses are there to be raced as long as they are fit, healthy and well. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity for myself and the Gillard family.

“I am absolutely thrilled to train two TAB Everest runners. After starting out with two horses at Warwick Farm 11 years ago I am humbled to have two sprinters competing in one of the world’s great races.”

After her last run Shades Of Rose spent 10 days in the paddock and Baker said it was the best thing he could have done for her as she came back with a spring in her step.

Shades Of Rose wins the Sheraco Stakes

As for her TAB Everest build up, she’ll have a barrier trial at Rosehill on Tuesday then Baker will be sweating on the barrier draw as she will need an economical run against the nation’s best sprinters.

“I don’t think she is a mad leader like some people are making her out,’’ Baker said.

“I think she is a little bit more flexible in terms of her race pattern.”

Kerrin McEvoy will partner Shades Of Rose, $26 in the TAB Everest, as he looks to add to his haul of three wins in Australia’s richest race.

Racing NSW - your home of live racing, form, tips and the latest news.