Bjorn Baker, a former pharmacist who traded his prescription pad for a trainer's license, is set to make his Royal Ascot debut with Overpass in the King Charles III Stakes. The New Zealander, now based in Sydney, has amassed nearly 1,500 wins Down Under since switching careers 15 years ago.
Overpass: A Horse for the Course
Overpass, the favorite for Tuesday's Group 1 sprint, has earned £6.7 million in prize money over a ten-race winning streak. The eight-year-old gelding has already tasted victory at Ascot three times—though at the namesake track in Perth, Western Australia. Baker hopes to emulate past Australian sprinters like Asfoora, Nature Strip, and Choisir, who have won the 5f contest.
“Overpass has been a remarkable horse,” Baker said. “He is very much best when fresh, which means we space out his runs. The options were Brisbane or here, so given that we want to sell the dream worldwide, we decided to come here. Royal Ascot is one of the great carnivals, while the King Charles III Stakes is a very prestigious race. Added to the fact Australian sprinters have run very well here in the past, that gives us a bit of confidence.”
From Pharmacy to Training
Baker's journey to Royal Ascot began in his twenties when he worked as a pharmacist in London and Dublin for drug company Merck. “I worked in London for two years and then Dublin for two years in my young twenties,” he recalled. “I was more working as a pharmacist and following the horses and going to a lot of the meetings. I used to follow it more as a fan than anything.”
Racing eventually won out, and he returned to New Zealand to work with his trainer father Murray before moving to Sydney 15 years ago. “It’s been a remarkable journey and after 20 years of effort it’s going to be pretty special to be at Ascot. We’re going to make the most of it.”
The Race Ahead
Overpass heads the market ahead of Night Raider, with Rayevka providing a stern test of speed. Last year's winner American Affair is the tip of Daily Star Sport's chief tipster Jason Heavey. Jockey Josh Parr will make his British debut aboard Overpass.
