Baker leaves Warwoven’s Golden Rose tactics to King

Bjorn Baker will leave Warwoven’s early positioning to Rachel King after barrier one gave the colt the option to lead or take a trail in Saturday’s $1 million Group 1 Golden Rose.

Warwoven enters the 1400-metre feature after winning the Group 2 Run To The Rose over 1200 metres at Rosehill on September 12. He settled outside the leader and held off St Gotthard by a neck, taking his record to four wins from seven starts.

Baker told Gareth Hall on SEN’s Giddy Up that the inside draw would allow King to respond to how the race developed.

“From gate 1, he’s got natural speed, so we’re going to have the option to lead there or right behind the speed, and I’d back her to make the right decision,” Baker said.

The trainer described barrier one as “the most economical way home” and said Warwoven’s work on Tuesday was the best he had produced during the preparation.

“He looks great,” Baker said. “It’s been a smooth preparation and I’m really confident the 1400 will suit him.”

The 13-horse Golden Rose field includes Golden Slipper and San Domenico Stakes winner Guest House, who starts from barrier five. St Gotthard, runner-up to Warwoven in the Run To The Rose, has barrier nine.

Baker said King’s judgement under pressure strengthened his confidence in leaving the tactics open.

“Rachel King’s riding better than anyone at the moment,” he said. “She doesn’t get carried away. She doesn’t get too worried about the situation.”