The “really classy” mare primed for the Railway as Overpass looks to defend Winterbottom crown

Bjorn Baker has a recent history of success in Western Australia, in particular at Perth’s Ascot racecourse.

His gun sprinter Overpass has twice won The Quokka (in April 2023 and April 2024) either side of his Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) triumph last December.

This weekend, Sydney-based trainer Baker will attempt to improve the stable’s sparkling western record when he saddles up Belclare in the Group 1 Railway Stakes (1600m) at Ascot.

The seven-year-old mare, who is a two-time Group 1 winner back in New Zealand, has won her last two starts over 1400m in Sydney, claiming the Group 2 Invitation at Randwick before comfortably taking out the Group 2 Hot Danish at Rosehill two weeks ago.

Baker is confident her recent form, the booking of the aggressive Nash Rawiller and her record on good tracks gives Belclare a great chance of turning up and taking the prize.

He also insists he is not too perturbed by the wide draw of barrier 14 given she has good gate speed.

“She’s won two Group 1s at a mile in New Zealand, she can go left-handed and she likes good tracks,” Baker said on SENTrack’s Best From The West, thanks to Racing WA.

“I think she is a really classy horse, I think she’s beautifully set up for the mile and Nash Rawiller rides.

“A bit of a wide gate from 14 but she’s got that natural speed, she’ll roll forward and I like horses going forward from wide gates.”

The top weight of 57.5kg should not unsettle those who are keen to follow a mare in winning form.

“It’s probably not a vintage Railway,” Baker added.

“In The Invitation she had a fair bit of weight (59.5kg) there when she beat Magic Time, and then she beat Magic Time again last time (with 57kg).

“She has a good record at a mile. It’s no doubt a tough ask to travel over there, but she’s a mare that’s been around New Zealand a lot, she’s done a good job in Sydney.

“Nash Rawiller will offset a little bit of that weight as well.”

Belclare is currently rated as the $4.50 second favourite with Sportsbet for the Railway which jumps at 7:56pm AEDT on Saturday.

The focus will then shift to next weekend when Baker’s winner of close to $9 million in prize money, Overpass, will look to defend his Winterbottom crown.

The gelding failed down the straight at Flemington last start when finishing eighth, but Baker is hoping that was merely an aberration.

“I was disappointed,” he said in reference to the Champions Sprint run.

“I thought he was ready to run a really good race and maybe the inside of the track that day and maybe a bit of pressure there with Estriella punching forward.

“We know he goes well at Ascot, he’s three from three, and hopefully can make it four from four.

“It doesn’t look like a vintage Winterbottom so from that point of view we’re very happy to be there.

“But nothing’s easy, it’s Group 1 racing and I’m sure there’ll be a few that kick up and don’t make it easy.

“He’s travelled over in great order and we’ve got our pattern down that tends to work with him.”

Overpass is currently the $2.70 favourite for the Winterbottom on November 30.

Listen below to Baker on SENTrack’s Best From The West show - thanks to Racing WA:

What's gambling really costing you? Set a deposit limit. For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au