Bjorn Baker. Photo / Sarah Ivey
The Cambridge Baker stable is delighted and not only because Harris Tweed nearly ripped off Saturday's A$2.5 million Caulfield Cup.
Murray and Bjorn Baker are thinking more of what that means to the A$6 million Melbourne Cup.
"That's a fantastic result, the stable is chuffed," said Bjorn Baker yesterday.
"If
he can build on that towards the Melbourne Cup it will be fabulous."
Last year, Harris Tweed finished 10th in the Caulfield Cup and improved to finish fifth in the Melbourne Cup.
"It will be exciting if he can make the same level of improvement this time after finishing second yesterday."
Harris Tweed got shuffled back a place to two at the 700m on Saturday and Brad Rawiller was committed to making his run when a gap appeared.
It got Harris Tweed level with the leaders a fraction early, though, and Descarado muscled him out of the win from the 150m.
Harris Tweed has shortened in to $26 for the Melbourne Cup after being laid for $41 before Saturday's second.
Descarado is into $12 third favourite after $31 was bet about him last week.
Shocking and So You Think are now joint favourites at $5, Shocking shortening in from $8 off the back of his strong finish into fourth on Saturday.
European stayer Manighar has shortened from $21 in to $12 and Monaco Consul is at $17 from $26.
Faint Perfume has lengthened from $15 to $26.
James McDonald was suspended for four racedays after being found guilty of careless riding aboard Seaflyte at Rotorua on Saturday.
McDonald moved out sharply in the home straight on Seaflyte, checking the favourite, Caratacus, who was finishing strongly down the outside.
Seaflyte was relegated from third and Caratacus promoted.
Third favourite Morelle dropped dead on returning to the birdcage after finishing last in the R80 1200m at Rotorua on Saturday. Stewards ordered blood samples to be taken and sent for analysis.
