Baker hoping Hawkesbury stay has Battle Hymn back on song

A record of three wins from four starts says Battle Hymn has his share of talent, but it’s his off-the-track antics that have forced Bjorn Baker to send him back to school.

In the lead-up to his first-up win a month ago, the gelding did some of his preparation at the Hawkesbury property of Baker’s racing manager Luke Hilton and his partner, jockey Rachel King.

Leading Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker.Credit: Getty

It’s been a similar story heading into the Hellbent @ Yarraman Park Handicap (1000m) at Warwick Farm today.

“He’s a funny one, we’ve spent a bit of time re-educating him,” Hilton said. “He’s got a few quirks. He’s spent some time out here with Rach doing a bit of schooling and equestrian stuff.

“His racing isn’t the problem. He puts his best foot forward on the racetrack but at home he can be a little challenging.”

King has the ride on Battle Hymn and Hilton said indications are that the extracurricular activities are doing the job. Slowly.

In his first-up win, the half-length margin looks relatively comfortable, but he still made hard work of it.

“He flew the gates and landed in front then completely switched off, then was able to pick up and win again,” Hilton said.

“The ability is there, he’s still learning how to put races away and go on with the job. He’s been back at the stable for a week and had a gallop on Friday, he galloped really well.

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“He’s striking a midweek race with near top weight so he’s got it all to do, but he’s got a nice gate, good genuine speed, and he’s definitely not the finished product.”

Listed winning mare Dance To The Boom comes off a confidence boosting win earlier this month and will be out to back it up in the TAB Handicap (1300m).

The Gosford Guineas winner didn’t run up to expectation finishing midfield behind Idle Flyer second-up but an all the way win on the Kensington track two weeks ago has her racing for a return to Saturday company.

“Bjorn was happy to bring her back [to midweek] and give her a confidence boost,” he said.

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