Baker's Heart Set On Podium Finish For Filly's Debut

Trainer Bjorn Baker says a top three finish would be an ideal start to Hide Your Heart’s career as he takes a quiet confidence into her debut at Rosehill on Saturday.

The filly was due to contest the $1m Golden Gift three weeks ago but Baker elected to wait and hopes that decision can pay off in the De Bortoli Wines Handicap (1100m).

Hide Your Heart, a $260,000 purchase by Sebring, downed early favourite Sliders in a trial a week before the Golden Gift then re-emerged last Tuesday running a close second behind another of her Saturday rivals in Princess Spice.

“I thought she was good, the horse that beat her is running the same race but I thought she had a little bit up her sleeve and seemed to travel nicely,’’ Baker said.

“She beat Sliders albeit ridden out. I think she will be a little bit better over further so the 1100m will suit.”

Baker is aiming Hide Your Heart at the Magic Millions in January.

He said she’s clearly a quality filly but her casual nature has made it a little difficult for him to work out to this point what’s under the bonnet.

“She’s really low key and just does what she has to so it has been hard to get a guide on her,’’ he said.

“I like her, I think whatever happens she is a good filly going forward but we won’t really find out until race day. If she can finish top three she’s on target.”

Tim Clark takes the ride on Hide Your Heart, who was $7.50 with TAB on Wednesday, and Baker said barrier four will give him options.

“I think we just put her where she’s comfortable, whether she’s midfield or in front of it, where she’s relaxed and settled,’’ he said.

The return to a dry track could bring out the best in Irithea in the Group 3 $160,000 Fujitsu General Festival Stakes (1500m).

Irithea, who won the Group 3 Dark Jewel at Rosehill back in May, beat one horse home behind Savatiano after leading the Hot Danish earlier this month but she’s won seven of her eight races on good tracks.

“Back on top of the ground should really suit and she gets into the race really well,’’ Baker said.

“I think she is well weighted, and I think we will look to be positive. I’d love her to go well so the aim is to get her up to the Magic Millions as well.”

It’s expected Baker will run Miss Einstein in the Rosehill Bowling Club Handicap (1500m) at Rosehill in preference to Friday night at Canterbury where she drew wide.

Baker said he’s been more than happy with her two runs back from a spell, for placings at Rosehill and Newcastle, and now she's creeping up in distance will leave the option open for Jason Collett to be closer than she was second-up.

“It’s a tough little race but she is going well and up to 1500m suits,’’ he said.

“She’s yet to win a Saturday race but she’s been knocking on the door.

“It’s a tough race and it'll be who gets a bit of luck in running, whatever happens she will hit the line hard.”