OVERPASS SET TO BYPASS NEWMARKET

Bjorn Baker set to bypass Newmarket with Overpass

Baker is avoiding a clash with any potential big guns in the Newmarket Handicap in favour of focusing on the mega rich Golden Eagle - Everest double later in the year.

Overpass has been in fine form this prep, winning the Group 2 Expressway Stakes before impressively taking out the Inglis Sprint down the Flemington Straight on Saturday for jockey Josh Parr.

“I’ve debated long and hard about the Newmarket, it’s the million-dollar question,” Baker said.

“But the long-term aim with this horse is the Golden Eagle in Spring as I’m sure he will run a strong 1400m-1500m at Rosehill.

“With that in mind, I don’t want to ‘bust’ him and give him two hard runs in a week.

“The plan is to give him five weeks between runs and go to the Arrowfield Sprint during The Championships.

“If he won the Arrowfield Sprint, he would not be out of The Everest reckoning, either.”

Bjorn also highlighted other potential options for the colt with the All Aged Stakes at the end of Autumn as well an extended prep and a trip to Queensland for the Winter Carnival both viable options.

“I want him to have quite a deep preparation this time and hopefully get him out to 1400m before he goes for a spell,” Baker explained.

“Because the Golden Eagle is late in the spring, I don’t want to give him too long a break over winter.”

Pre nomination, Overpass currently sits as a $51 chance for the Everest with Golden Eagle markets yet to be released. 

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