Bjorn Baker’s hot season continued at the Sunshine Coast on Saturday evening when five-year-old gelding Shalailed landed a $250,000 payday in the Magic Millions Class 6 Plate (1200m).
After a double at Randwick earlier in the day and the later Sunshine Coast win, Baker’s season tally moved to 67 wins but few have given the stable the satisfaction of Shalailed’s breakout success.
Originally a $280,000 purchase out of the Segenhoe Stud draft at the 2021 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Baker purchased the son of Shalaa as a tried prospect for $75,000 through Inglis Digital and in little more than 12 months under his care, the gelding has won three races and more than $250,000 in prizemoney.
Stable representative Luke Hilton said a subtle gear change from Baker and a perfectly executed ride from Chad Schofield paved the way for Shalailed’s ($9.50) two length win over Hatchet ($12) and Amigo ($9).
“It was a great win,” Hilton said.
“He put the writing on the wall with an unlucky run last start and we thought he was back in form but he hasn’t been jumping.
“Bjorn tinkered with his gear and put a barrier blanket on and it made him jump early and he was able to put himself in the race.
“He got a lovely run and it was a great ride from Chad who knows him very well – I think he’s only had four or five rides on him and has won three races on him.
“It’s some good placement by Bjorn to find this race for a horse like this.
“He’s been inspecting (yearlings) today and he’s been on the phone every five minutes so that will keep him happy.”
Sledmere Stud will offer the half-brother to Shalailed by first season sire Home Affairs as Lot 56 on the opening day of next week’s 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale.
