Trainer Has Last Laugh With Harpo Marx

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Bjorn Baker

The Bjorn Baker-trained continued his rich vein of form this preparation with a fast-finishing victory over 2000 metres at .

The five-year-old gelding has now had six starts this time in for three wins and two placings and the stable is planning for better races either in the Sydney autumn or in the spring.

Harpo Marx ($3.70 fav) produced a withering late to run down tearaway leader ($6) by a 1/2 neck with First Courier ($17) a further 1 3/4 lengths away third to win the Benchmark 78.

Jockey employed daring tactics aboard -up Vadiyann, leading by upwards of seven lengths in the run and the French import fought on bravely to be beaten narrowly in a thrilling contest.

Stable representative Stephen McLean explained he had spoken with Baker after the race, who watched the race while at the Gold Coast and he wasn't confident during the run.

“I just had a quick chat with Bjorn and he said he wouldn't have taken 1000-1 at the 500m,” McLean said.

“But full credit to the horse, he dug deep and fought hard all the way to the line.

“It was a slight concern dropping back to the 2000m today, but he is rock hard fit.”

The Baker camp now has some planning to do as to where Harpo Marx will head next.

“The may come a bit too soon for him there at Farm, but I think we've definitely got to look at it as an option,” McLean said.

“Other than that, I don't think there's a great deal on offer.

“I'll have a chat with Bjorn and we'll just see how he pulls up on Monday. Maybe a winter assault up to or put him away for the spring.”

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