Last year, Warwick Farm’s Bjorn Baker claimed his first Mudgee Cup thanks to a superb run from Burning Energy in the $50,000 race, one regarded as one of the best country cup events in regional NSW.
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This year, despite scratching the highly rated Crosley Hotshot from Friday’s 1600 metre race, Baker is hopeful four-year-old Personable will earn his stable a rare Mudgee Cup double.
“It’s good to get up there for these races. There’s good money involved and it’s a great day,” Baker said.
“We’re in there with an each-way chance.”
Personable’s last result isn’t a great one, Baker admitted that, but the Group 1 winning trainer is confident the distance and the track – Personable has one start at Mudgee for one win – will ensure the brown mare is there when the whips are cracking in a decent field.
Personable has champion country hoop Greg Ryan booked for the ride.
“The track’s nice and big, which should suit,” Baker said.
“She’s prepared really well. She’s been really good throughout … her last time (on track) doesn’t look good on paper, but she didn’t get a run at Canterbury.
“I expect she’ll be an each-way hope.”
Friday will also be Baker’s first venture to Mudgee and despite joking that he expected “free beer” he says the festivities of one of the biggest meetings in the region is something he’s looking forward to.
“I’ve never been to Mudgee before … I’ve heard a lot of good things and I’m keen to go up and see the place,” he added.
Baker is bringing a stack of his horses with him, with Zabeel’s Choice, in the maiden, Judge Judi, in the class one handicap, and Allez Bien, in the last, all hopes, Baker says.
“Zabeel’s Choice won a trial last week, I like her. Judge Judi has been consistent and Allez Bien has trialed well, too,” he added.
“I haven’t been to too many country meetings. I always mean to, so I’m looking forward to the day trip.”
Mudgee trainer Mack Griffth will have one of the favourites for the cup, with Schedule jumping from barrier five after winning a Highway Handicap race at Rosehill on Saturday.
Cameron Crockett has Mar Nero in the field too, with Matthew Cahill booked for the ride.
The cup jumps at 5.10pm, with racing on the eight race TAB program starting at 1.35pm at the Mudgee Racing Club.
Nick McGrath
Editor, Central Western Daily
Editor, Central Western Daily
