Queensland Oaks dress rehearsal for Renaissance Woman

By Glenn Davis

Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker is confident he’s written the right script for Renaissance Woman ahead of her attempt to claim next month’s Group 1 Queensland Oaks.

Baker, who holds a degree in pharmacy, is hopeful Renaissance Woman can climb the final wrung of her Queensland Oaks ladder in the Group 2 The Roses at Doomben on Saturday.

Baker is riding high in the NSW trainers’ premiership to be fourth with 80 wins and has had a love-affair with Queensland racing.

His first of seven Group 1 wins was with Music Magnate in the Doomben 10,000 in 2016.

His other major Queensland wins were with Unencumbered in the Magic Millions Classic in 2014, the Magic Millions Cup with Redouble and Magic Millions Sprint with Egyptian Symbol in 2019.

Baker sent Renaissance Women to Queensland for the winter after deciding to bypass the bulk of the Sydney autumn carnival.

The filly rocketed into Queensland Oaks favouritism with a Winx-like performance with a near last to first win in the Listed Gold Coast Bracelet over 1800 metres at the Sunshine Coast on May 6.

It came after Baker decided to give her only one start in the autumn when she beat one home in the Group 2 James Carr at Randwick in the middle of April.

The James Carr was her first appearance since she finished back in the field in the VRC Oaks over 2500 metres at Flemington in November.

“Her win in the Gold Coast Bracelet was fantastic,” Baker said.

“It was a great ride from Josh Parr and he’s riding her again.

“I think she’s looking for 2000 metres now but Doomben may not be her track.”

Baker is hopeful of another strong showing from the daughter of Reliable Man.

“As long as she races well it’ll give us the confidence for the Queensland Oaks," he said.

Baker is not concerned with a possible rain-affected track following heavy rain Brisbane earlier this week.

“She worked well on the Gold Coast Polytrack on Tuesday and from all reports her work was very good,” Baker said.

“She’s won on a soft track and can get through the wet so it shouldn’t bother her."

Baker also has no concern with her staying ability despite her mother being out of the Fastnet Rock mare Mrs Kennedy, who is a half-sister to Group 1 Oakleigh Plate winner Mrs Onassis.

Renaissance Woman is by Reliable Man, who is a good sire of stayers.

Renaissance Woman won the Group 3 Ethereal Stakes at Caulfield in October of last year before going on to finish ninth in a slowly run race in the VRC Oaks over 2500 metres at Flemington in November.