Racing: Baker has wind in his sails

Dal Cielo (left) will be a good each-way hope for the Caulfield Guineas on Saturday. Photo / Trish Dunell

Cambridge horseman keenly anticipates Caulfield Guineas after Dal Cielo draws eight.

Murray Baker was talking to the Herald on his cellphone from the outskirts of Flemington yesterday afternoon when Melbourne's terrific wind blew him nearly to his knees.

The Cambridge horseman played first class cricket back in the day and he has a fairly steady stance, but Melbourne's blow got the better of him.

"I'm not surprised, I was trying to watch race one at the provincial Kilmore races just before and this wind blew the running rail down," said Baker.

"You just can't believe the wind here today and it's 35 degrees as well."

Baker's worry around that combination is for Mongolian Khan in Saturday's A$400,000 Caulfield Stakes (2000m).

"I'd love to see some easing in the ground for him, although I'm not that concerned about a very firm track for Dal Cielo in the Caulfield Guineas."

According to Baker a big drop in temperature was due in Melbourne last night. "Even if there is I hope they're putting plenty of water on the Caulfield track.

"There is a good sole of grass on Caulfield at the moment, but regardless of how much water you apply, if you get the wrong sort of raceday weather it will dry out to very firm.

"I'd love to see a track that Mongolian Khan would be comfortable on."

Baker is delighted with the way Mongolian Khan is progressing towards the Caulfield Cup.

"There's still a lot of freshness in him and his work has been excellent. It's only a small field he faces on Saturday, but it's a top class line-up - I think they're just about all group one winners."

Karmadec and Fawkner will be extremely tough opponents. Opie Bosson retains the Mongolian Khan ride and he will also ride Dal Cielo in the A$1 million Caulfield Guineas.

Dal Cielo turned in a superb effort to finish a close third in the Guineas Prelude. He wore blinkers for the first time and as a result raced fiercely in the lead, setting up a fast 1:22.67 1400m time. He was eclipsed in only the last couple of strides and was just 0.3 lengths from the winner.

The camp is happy Del Cielo has drawn barrier No 8 on Saturday and Chris Waller's hot favourite Press Statement is out at No 14.

In three decades, only Drawn (No 17) in 1985 has drawn wider than barrier No 13 to win the Guineas. Rider Hugh Bowman refuses to accept the barrier will stop Press Statement winning. "He's reasonably adaptable and he's not a horse that has to be ridden one certain way, so that allows me options."

Press Statement remained the $2.20 favourite despite the barrier draw.

Baker is sending Collaborate home after the horse jarred up badly at Moonee Valley last Friday night.

"The track was a 2 and he pulled up very short so he can spell at home and race in the autumn."

Baker is extremely pleased with Turn Me Loose. "He was only just beaten in that listed race at Flemington on Sunday and he was giving the winner [Worthy Cause] 3.5kg. Maygrove is coming on the right way, but is taking his time getting fit."

Hoofnote: Baker's balance lasted better than the Kilmore running rail. The meeting was eventually abandoned without a race being run.