Racing: Raider tames rivals

Lion Tamer (outer). Photo / Supplied

New Zealand raider Lion Tamer has set the bar for Sydney's staying 3-year-olds with a scintillating win in the Ming Dynasty Handicap at Randwick yesterday.

Racing against the pattern of the day on the heavy track, Lion Tamer came from near last on the turn to snatch victory from Praecido by half a length.

Testarhythm was sent out the favourite in the 1400m Listed event but weakened and only beat one home.

Bjorn Baker represented the stable he shares with his father Murray at Cambridge and admitted he didn't quite know what to expect before the race.

"He'll stay here for the Gloaming Stakes and the Spring Champion Stakes and then we'll think about the Derby in Melbourne."

The Bakers brought Nom Du Jeu to Sydney to win the AJC Australian Derby in 2008 and just missed out last year when Harris Tweed ran a close second to Roman Emperor.

Harris Tweed began his 2010 Melbourne Cup campaign with an unplaced run over 1700m at Flemington yesterday.

Last year's Melbourne Cup winner Shocking is in great form to make it back to back Cups after an impressive win in the Makybe Diva Stakes.

Trainer Mark Kavanagh said the 5-year-old was more switched now than at the same time 12 months ago. Shocking has raced at the home of the Melbourne Cup four times for as many wins.