Just because a horse has been consistent at one level doesn’t mean they will eventually win at that level. Deserved? Nothing’s a given in this game.
But Bjorn Baker doesn’t use the words lightly when he starts discussing Iknowastar, the free-wheeling galloper he will take to the well one more time in the listed Winter Stakes at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
Rachel King wins on Iknowastar at Randwick, but the big races have so far eluded him.Credit: Getty
“He’s been a bit of a revelation over the last 12 months,” Baker said. “If any horse deserves to win a stakes race and go out on a high for the end of the season, it’s definitely him. He’s been a lot of fun for myself and connections.”
From Sydney to Newcastle and then Brisbane and back, Iknowastar has done many miles up the east coast of Australia this campaign, but he’s yet to snare an elusive black-type win after two stakes placings.
The latest came in the Tattersall’s Mile at Eagle Farm last week, but Baker has quickly floated Iknowastar back to Sydney in the hope of picking up the Winter Stakes.
“He’s tough as teak,” Baker said. “He always puts his best hoof forward. He’s been in for a while, but I think it’s worth having a crack, and then we’ll put him out for a spring campaign.
“I’m a little bit wary at some stage he’s probably going to have to come to the end of it. I’m hoping it’s not Saturday and we can get away with it and look for a spring prep.”
Iknowastar will be partnered by premiership-chasing hoop Nash Rawiller, but it was his brother Brad who developed the take-no-prisoners-style that has helped the four-year-old flourish.
Brad Rawiller rode the horse earlier in his career to bush wins at Mudgee, Orange and Goulburn, but has long left NSW and will now watch Nash take over the reins.