Racing: Bakup gives Bakers chance for two-state double in St Leger

New Zealander Bakup will make a hit-run raid on Saturday's VRC St Leger Stakes which father and son co-trainers Murray and Bjorn Baker hope will form a leg of a winning two-state double for the stable.

Bakup will arrive in Melbourne on Wednesday night for the 2800m Flemington feature while stablemate Mr Tipsy will contest Saturday's Sydney Cup at Randwick.

"How good would that be if we could win both races?" Bjorn Baker asked.

The stable has already had a successful autumn carnival with Harris Tweed who is now spelling after winning the group two Tulloch Stakes (2000m) and finishing second in a photo-finish to Roman Emperor in the AJC Derby.

A decision to target the St Leger with Bakup was made after he beat Booming over 2500 metres at Hastings last Saturday.

Baker said it was strong form as Booming (third) finished ahead of Harris Tweed (fourth) in last month's New Zealand St Leger (2500m).

"He [Bakup] has come right at the right time," Baker said. "His win last Saturday was good as he did a bit of work and just kept going."

- NZPA