Bjorn Baker is hoping for a timely form turnaround from smart mare Shades Of Rose when she drops back to Listed grade for the Takeover Target Stakes at Gosford.
The winner of the Sheraco Stakes in the spring, Shades Of Rose has contested two rich slot races and a couple of the Sydney autumn carnival’s premier sprints at her past four starts, mixing it with the likes of Giga Kick, I Wish I Win and Amelia’s Jewel.
While she faces a rising star in Think About It at Gosford on Saturday, Baker is hoping his mare can capitalise on the class drop and return to the form that resulted in her being chosen for an Everest slot last year.
“It’s going to be a big jump back from what she has been in,” Baker said.
“She’s got a bit of weight to carry (57.5kg) and she has drawn a bit awkwardly (barrier 10), but she’s got that natural gate speed so I’m looking forward to Saturday with her.
“There is a bit of speed outside her and she’s got the speed to put herself there.”
Shades Of Rose is back in Sydney after finishing midfield behind stablemate Overpass in the inaugural edition of The Quokka (1200m) in Perth, beaten just over two lengths.
In hindsight, Baker feels her prior run on a heavy track in the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m) might have taken the zip out of her, but he is happy she is back bright and well.
“It maybe just took a little bit of sting out of her for sure,” Baker said.
“She just hasn’t had a lot of luck.
“But her work on Tuesday was very good, we’re really happy with her and she looks good so we can’t fault her from that point of view.
“She wi entered for the Magic Millions mares’ sale at the end of May so it would be great if she could run well.”
Shades Of Rose is a $6 chance for the Takeover Target Stakes (1200m) with Think About It, the winner of six of his seven starts, a $3.10 favourite.
The latter is using Saturday’s race as a Brisbane winter carnival launch pad as he heads towards the Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June.