Baker’s underrated colt on Coolmore trial in Brian Crowley Stakes

Tom Walter - Thursday October 19

The Bjorn Baker-trained Goodfella has not commanded the same respect as the top bracket of three-year-old colts this season but perhaps he should.

Advertisement
Goodfella repels the challenge of Our Mantra to win at Randwick on October 7. 
Photo: Steve Hart

Firstly, he's by Snitzel. What can be said about the champion sire that hasn't already been uttered?

Secondly, he was one of the most precocious of his generation, featuring in the first set of juvenile barrier trials in September of last year before shedding his maiden in a pre-Christmas metropolitan race.

Thirdly, he is placed at Group III level and finished a gallant fourth behind Houtzen in the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1200) at the Gold Coast.

And finally, he is a last start winner tackling Saturday's Listed Brian Crowley Stakes (1200m) at Randwick – a race that has recently produced stallions such as Northern Meteor, Hinchinbrook and Love Conquers All.

Although tasked with coming back 200m in distance, Goodfella is an equal second favourite at $4.80 with Sportsbet.

While Baker would have preferred to stay at 1400m, the Warwick Farm trainer is hoping some rainfall will offset that.

"There were no other races for him – simple as that – but if the rain comes he'll be right in it," Baker said.

"He's drawn well and should be in touch of the leaders and we'll see what he's got."

Should Goodfella run up to expectations, Baker will give his colt the opportunity to seal a stallion career in next month's Group I Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.

And being adept at 1400m is a valuable attribute for a horse tackling Flemington's straight six course for the first time.

"We are looking at the Coolmore," Baker said.

"His form is pretty good when you look at it.

"He was sixth-up in the Magic Millions, he got back that day and didn't have much luck and just got beaten for third.

"I really believe he's a good horse. First-up over 1100m was just too short for him first-up this prep especially with the way the track was playing."

Baker will also be represented by Impavido and the resuming Collateral at Randwick this Saturday.

"Impavido is in good order third-up but he's drawn 13 of 13 which may make things hard for him," Baker said.

"Collateral is underrated I reckon. 1400m is obviously well short of his best but I think he's a pretty good horse so I certainly wouldn't rule out him sprinting well fresh."

Meanwhile, Baker's star performer of the spring thus far, Champagne Cuddles, is set to return from a freshen-up next week with a view to contesting the $2 million Magic Millions 3YO Guineas (1400m) in January.

Advertisment
More Reading...
Flying Artie 2YO Wins by Four!
Blue Gum Farm have an appealing roster of three sires for this spring and while it’s all in front of Sejardan and Oxley Road, proven favourite Flying Artie remains unbeatable value and the G1 sire produced a four length 2YO winner on Thursday.
Kaha Nui Swoop on Pinhook Prospects
Successful pinhookers Kaha Nui Farm were to the fore at Karaka on Thursday, and were rewarded with the crown of leading buyer at New Zealand Bloodstock’s National Weanling Sale.
Profondo Weanlings Impress
The first progeny of Windsor Park Stud stallion Profondo made a favourable impression during the NZB National Weanling Sale at Karaka on Thursday.
Do Early Winners Equate to Long Term Stud Success?
As we move towards the end of the racing season, attention invariably focuses on first season sires and who will be the leader of the cohort by winners and it’s a close run race this year, but does any of it matter in the grand scheme of things?
Mulberry Racing Secure Everest Slot
Racing NSW today announced that Mulberry Racing has secured a slot in the $20 million TAB Everest for a term of three years commencing with the running of this year’s race.
$190,000 Per Incanto Colt Tops NZB Weanling Sale
Little Avondale stallion Per Incanto’s outstanding season carried on in the Karaka sale ring on Thursday, where his weanling colt fetched a sale-topping $190,000 in the opening hour of the NZB National Weanling Sale.
Coles Bows Out After 60 Years
Pukekohe’s Wednesday meeting marked the end of an era for Auckland Thoroughbred Racing, as Ross Coles, a treasured figure in the industry, retired after 60 years as Clerk of the Course.
Blueblood Filly a Third Winner for Tagaloa
Group I MRC Blue Diamond Stakes winner Tagaloa is one of the more affordable sires on the Yulong roster and he sired his third winner at Bendigo on Thursday when well bred filly Teine Aulelia made a winning debut.
Sires With Winners - Thursday June 26
Here is the full list of 42 stallions which had winners throughout Australasia today with winners and result details.
$190,000 Per Incanto Colt Heads Vibrant Weanling Sale
The  2025 National Weanling Sale saw its first dual-code weanling session in play at Karaka, with a total aggregate of $2,410,000 outlaid across 84 lots by a strong domestic buying bench plus international support from Australia, Hong Kong and China.