Trainer says gelding on a stepping stone to success

Slow and steady is trainer Bjorn Baker’s approach with his latest European import Appeared, that will be out to keep his unbeaten Australian record intact at Warwick Farm on Wednesday.

Baker elected not to ask Appeared to do battle with boom stayer Aethelwulf last weekend and having watched that race he said it was the right move at this early stage of his local career.

The five-year-old is held in high regard by Baker and he says the Catanach’s Jewellers Handicap (2200m) is the more suitable race for now.

“It would have been a hard race to win so I think it works out very well for him. It’s a good stepping stone in terms of going on to better things,” Baker said.

“I’ve been impressed with him, his win at Newcastle was very good first-up and I’d like to think he’s improved off that.

“We’re still learning about him but I couldn’t be happier with what he’s done.”

Appeared was a winner over 2414m at The Curragh before being picked up by Darby Racing.

He stepped out at Newcastle in an 1880m class 1 a few weeks ago and despite hitting a flat spot he produced a late surge. Baker said it was a sign of a promising stayer in the making.

He’ll carry 59kg again and Dylan Gibbons, who has a healthy opinion of the gelding as well, retains the ride.

“I thought he might just need the run to get used to our racing style but he was pretty good and particularly good late,” Baker said.

“He was always a nice horse, I guess you don’t know until you get them up and going. Going up to 2200m suits and we’re looking forward to Wednesday.

“I guess the question mark is how much he has improved, the first prep for the stable you never know. It’s not an overly strong midweek race and hopefully it works out well.”

Kwirky Smile returns to Benchmark 72 company in the Farnan @ Vinery Stud Handicap (1400m) and Baker hopes she can prove up to the assignment.

The mare was a winner at Gosford in July before running third behind Gatwick and Ernaux at Rosehill on August 1 and filling the same placing at Hawkesbury 19 days later.