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Top international trainer and social media sensation Bjorn Baker has been enjoying the Australasian sales over the last few months whether he has physically attended those sales or digitally. Baker was one of the top ten (individual) buyers in the recent Easter Yearling Sale (R2) where he purchased a beautiful Snitzel colt out of the American bred-Alice's Smart mare for A$400,000 and a Snitzel filly out of Muzyka for A$140,000.
The Impact speaks to Baker about his purchases and his plans for them as well as a lot much more.
Q: Bjorn Baker Racing was one of the top 10 individual buyers at the Easter Yearling Sale (R2). Could you please tell us about your plans for those horses especially the Snitzel X Alice's Smart colt?
A: The Snitzel – Muzyka filly went straight to the breakers and arrives in the stable tomorrow. She has broken in very well and is a quality filly who will hopefully be a nice Autumn filly. The Snitzel colt has already been broken in and had a preparation at Warwick Farm so we knew a bit about him – he is bred to be good and looks forward enough to hopefully race before the New Year.
Q: What has been the most successful horse you've purchased at this sale? Please tell us more?
A: Positive Peace and Missybeelare the two best purchases I have made at the Inglis Easter Sale and both mares were Group winners in the Autumn. Positive Peace was bought for A$260,000.00 from KiaOra Stud and she won the Group Two Emancipation Stakes in March. Missybeel also won the Group Three Epona Stakes in March and the daughter of Savabeel cost A$200,000.00. Both mares have a good pedigree and substantial residual value.
Q: What was your experience like with digital sales programs this year?
A: My experience with the Digital Sales process was very good. I have sold and bought a large number of horses over the years on Inglis Digital and Bloodstock Auction so was comfortable with the process. I work closely with James Clarke and he was able to view the yearlings at the Farm which gave me more confidence.
Q: What do you look for when you buy horses? Typically how many horses do you buy in a year? Do you have a price range you don't exceed - come what may? What sales are a 'must-attend' for you every year?
A: Buying a horse is one big balancing act as I generally work with a limited budget and prefer to buy a good pedigree so sometimes I have to be forgiving on the physical side. I try to buy an athlete and work closely with Bloodstock Agent, James Clarke, and my vet, Dr. Allan Frogley. I generally buy around 20 yearlings and maybe another 10 older horses from RTR sales or overseas. The must-attend sales for me include MM January, NZB, Inglis Classic, and Inglis Easter.
Q: What is on your bucket list for Bjorn Baker Racing trainees over the next couple of years?
A: I had a great season last year and believe I have better credentialled young horses coming through so I would like to be more competitive in the 2yo races and I need more Group 1 winner.
Q: Please tell us more about Edison and your plans for him after his recent successes. Who are your other stable stars this year?
A: Edison was very good in his last two runs and will return for late Spring into Summer and I would like to get to a race like the MM Cup over 1400m. Positive Peace is back in and has improved throughout her career so I don’t think she has reached her ceiling yet. Irithea is the stable stalwart and will return as a 7YO with the MM Fillies and Mares her main aim after running 2nd last year.
Q: Name your most favorite horse and why?
A: Unencumbered is my favorite horse. He was one of the first yearlings I bought and to return a year later and win the Magic Millions 2yo Classic was a huge thrill. He had the best temperament, was so tough and a character.
NOTE: All photos are credited to Bjorn Baker Racing