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By Ray Hickson

Trainer Bjorn Baker had no hesitation in calling on Country Championships winning jockey Kayla Nisbet when he needed a rider for Iknowastar at Rosehill on Saturday in what is an important race for the four-year-old.

Jockey Kayla Nisbet (Pic: Bradley Photos)

Baker has his sights set on next month’s $500,000 The Coast (1600m) at Gosford and would like the send the front-running galloper there a winner.

Nisbet, who is set to retire from the saddle in the coming weeks to take up a position with Sky Racing, scored her biggest win in the saddle when she guided Asgarda to victory in the $1 million Country Championships Final on Day 1 of The Star Championships.

She was given the job when Baker had to go to Plan B following the cancellation of the final two races last weekend.

“I always had a bit of luck with Kayla and it was complicated getting a rider because we were going to run last week,’’ Baker said.

“When it rained we had to change our plans and a lot of the riders were booked up.

“She’s a very nice young lady so we’re happy to have her on and it’d be nice if she can get the job done. I think he’s a big chance. He just puts himself on speed and does his thing.”

Iknowastar, $3.10 with TAB on Thursday in the Vale Lonhro Handicap (1500m), has won eight of his 17 starts and gave a big sight in front under 61kg when he was run down by Gringotts at Rosehill a month ago.

He’ll drop 6kg on that performance, the first time in his career he’d been placed when resuming and Baker said a lot of that particular stat can be attributed to wet tracks.

“It was a massive run, I was really happy with him and he’s come on very well,’’ he said.

“He was a bit of a revelation last time and I think if we stuck to good tracks early on his record would be even better.

“He just does it himself, even midrace he loves to pour a bit of tempo on and he’s not the hardest horse to ride. He does his own thing and he’ll be rolling along.”

Wategos is set to have his first run since finishing sixth in the Big Dance in the Farewell James Ross Sprint (1100m) and Baker said he’ll be interested to see how he performs in the early stages of the preparation.

The gelding has won two trials by handy margins in the lead up to a resumption. Baker said a Brisbane trip could be on the cards and there’s also the option of chasing Big Dance eligibility again for 2024.

“I think he’s going well but 1100m is the question mark, it’s a little short of his best form and once he gets to 1300 and 1400m you’ll see a better horse,’’ he said.

“He couldn’t be going any better though and his work on Tuesday was very good.”

The Warwick Farm trainer produces Blue Point colt Point And Shoot in the ATC Bookmakers Recognition Handicap (1100m) on the back of two impressive trial wins.

He’s been kept safe in the market, $7.50 on Thursday, and Baker is also on the conservative side when talking about his chances on debut.

“He’s definitely got some ability,’’ he said.

“He’s a lovely colt and we’ve got a good opinion of him but it’s a really tough race.

Iknowastar runs second at Rosehill on March 30

“I think from the gate you’ve got to be initially positive and try to put him in there a little bit and try and take advantage of it.”

Bjorn Baker on O’Tycoon (race 6): “He was good last time and maybe he’s just looking for a touch further. He’s been consistent and is jumping up on grade but he’s rock hard fit. He might just need things to go his way to be a proper chance.”

All the fields, form and replays for Saturday's Rosehill meeting