Flank Speed ready for Miles challenge

By Glenn Davis

Roma's Wayne Baker has called time on his full-time job but will continue his training career with a two-pronged attack in the Murilla Cup at Miles on Saturday.

The 65-year-old Baker has had a long-term day job in Roma before deciding to retire two weeks ago.

Baker claimed the Murilla Cup in 2024 with Menindee and hopes to claim his second with either Start Strutting and Flank Speed. 

"I've got 24 horses in work and I retired from working two weeks ago," Baker said.

"I've worked there for a while, but I might even go back one day to work as a casual."

Baker has no concerns with the undulated dirt track at Miles with either of his contenders.

"It's a dirt track at Miles and both of mine have good chances," he said.

"They'll certainly know Flank Speed is in the race when they go down the hill there.

"Flank Speed is probably the pick of my two but I'm still expecting Start Strutting to run well."

Flank Speed was a $10,000 buy off Toowoomba trainer Paul Wallace but hasn't started since finishing third behind the Kevin Kemp-trained This Is One in a 1200 metre Open Handicap at Roma on December 6.

"She’s been a good horse to me and was one of three horses I bought off Paul Wallace," Baker said.

"She hasn't raced since early December, but she likes the dirt and won the Morven Cup as well as two races at Roma.

"She only just got beaten last start and would have won had she not missed the start.

"They'll have to keep up with her when they head down the hill."

Baker has been training for more than 20 years and his biggest career win was in a restricted race with Waterford Glory at Eagle Farm in 2006.

He is one of 11 siblings, all of whom have had an involvement in racing in some capacity.

"I'm one of 10 boys and one girl and five of them are trainers and the rest have been jockeys," Baker said.

Baker has booked apprentice Chelsea Francis to partner Flank Speed while fellow apprentice Isabel Jessop will ride Start Strutting.