Overpass set to continue Baker's Queensland love affair

By Glenn Davis

Don’t discount Overpass.

That is the warning from Warwick Farm trainer Bjorn Baker ahead of the colt’s bid for victory in the Group 2 Sires’ Produce Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

Overpass is chasing his fourth consecutive win in the 1400 metre feature following an impressive win at Gosford on May 8.

In latest TAB markets, Overpass is an $9 chance behind the Rob Heathcote-trained favourite Prince Of Boom (pictured) at $4.20.

Baker was stunned by Overpass’s latest win over 1200 metres and immediately set in plans to send the Vancouver youngster to Queensland for the winter carnival.

“It was a big win as he had the outside gate and was never better than three wide,” Baker said.

“He’s got a good gate this time in barrier three and he’s improving all the time.

“He’s won his last three runs so you can’t knock his form.”

Queensland has been a happy hunting ground for Baker, who is hopeful Overpass can book a start in the Group 1 J J Atkins (1600 metres) at Eagle Farm in two weeks.

Long term, Baker has the $1 million Group 1 Golden Rose at Rosehill in September in his sights but will see how the youngster performs during the winter before progressing plans.

“It’s a very tough race on Saturday but we’ve had a lot of luck in Queensland and it’s been a happy hunting ground so I’m hoping it can continue,” Baker said.

“I’ll see how he goes in Group company in his next two starts before looking too far ahead but if he handles the step up then I’ll be looking at the Golden Rose in the spring.”

Baker was reluctant to single out a danger to Overpass, who was bought by Darby Racing for $75,000 at last year’s Sydney Easter sales.

“It’s a very tough race so I suppose they’re all chances but he deserves his chance as well,” Baker said.

Baker - a former pharmacist before taking up training – won the Group 1 Doomben 10,000 in 2016 with Music Magnate.

His other major Queensland wins were with Unencumbered in the Magic Classic Classic in 2014, the Magic Millions Cup with Redouble and Magic Millions Sprint with Egyptian Symbol in 2019.

Baker also prepared former star sprinter Winning Rupert, who claimed the Group 2 Champagne Stakes in 2016.

Winning Rupert returned later that year to win the Listed Gold Edition Stakes at Doomben and Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate at Eagle Farm before being injured when fourth in the Magic Millions Guineas in 2017.