Trainer Bjorn Baker has his sights firmly set on the Golden Slipper

Bjorn Baker left the Magic Millions sale complex last week with 10 yearlings and owing nearly a seven-figure sum.

For most, paying the electricity bill and keeping up with mortgage or rental repayments is the main financial concern but the debt-laden stress a trainer has to shoulder seems part of the job description these days.

"I have to be a realist, you need good, quality yearlings in Sydney racing or you won't be competitive," Baker said.

"So, you have to take on that debt – and the sleepless nights that come with it – to source these good young horses.

Bjorn Baker would love to get his hands on the Golden Slipper trophy and he has his best team of two-year-olds this season to achieve that dream.

"It might not be the best business model but racing in NSW is thriving with great prizemoney and realistically I don't think there has been a better time to invest in the sport.

"Fortunately, I've had one of my better two-year-old seasons so far for a long time and as a trainer, I have to back myself to get these results so my owners will reinvest and we can attract new clients to the stable."

Baker established his Warwick Farm training base 12 years ago, has since prepared over 1000 winners and is entrenched in the top five Sydney trainers each season – but he's still chasing an elusive goal.

"The Golden Slipper is the race I want to win," Baker said.

"It's a hard race to even get a runner but it's my dream race. When you think of Sydney racing, you think of the Golden Slipper."

Baker might have his best chance yet to finally achieve his Golden Slipper ambitions this autumn with the likes of promising youngsters Infatuation and Disneck already staking a claim for the world's richest juvenile race.

Rockabilly Rebel can join her stablemates on the path to Slipper glory if she can make a winning debut in the Petaluma Handicap (1000m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

Smart filly Infatuation has already qualified for the Golden Slipper. Picture: Grant Guy

A well-bred filly by Street Boss, sire of superstar Anamoe, out of stakes winner Text'n Hurley, Rockabilly Rebel has been very impressive in three barrier trials leading into her Randwick debut.

Rockabilly Rebel has shown dazzling speed to win two trials easily while sandwiched between those successes was a narrow loss to talented Steel City.

"I'm looking forward to seeing what Rockabilly Rebel can do on race day, she is a very promising filly with really good ability," Baker said.

"She is an athlete first and foremost; she has a good pedigree and a lot going for her.

"I am probably a little more confident than usual with her because I have had a few decent two-year-olds step out this season and I can line her up with them. She will be hard to beat on Saturday."

Infatuation has won at Randwick and finished a close second in the Golden Gift, qualifying for the Magic Millions on Thursday.

Disneck ran unplaced in the Golden Gift on debut then scored impressively at Rosehill before finishing fifth in the Inglis Nursery.

Speedy filly Passeggiata is looking to keep her unbeaten record intact at Randwick on Saturday. Picture: Grant Guy

"Infatuation is a tough, genuine filly and we will get her home after the Magic Millions and look at a Golden Slipper campaign for her," Baker said.

"She's already qualified which takes a bit of pressure off.

"Disneck is back in training and we will consider a Slipper path for him if he can keep putting his ‘hand' up."

In early TAB Fixed Odds betting, Rockabilly Rebel is at $4.80 second favouritism behind Coincide at $4.20 for the Randwick juvenile opener.

Baker has six starters at the Randwick meeting including unbeaten three-year-old Passeggiata in the Grainshaker Australian Vodka Handicap (1100m).

Passeggiata has created a huge impression at both her starts, winning on debut at Gosford by a widening margin of nearly four lengths then again leading throughout to score at Rosehill two weeks ago.

"I think Passeggiata is way better on top of the ground but she got away with it on the heavy track at Rosehill last start through natural ability," Baker said.

"She is very exciting and has held her condition well. Her gallop (Tuesday) morning was as good as it was before her last start win.

Flashy colt Disneck will be given his chance to get to the Golden Slipper. Picture: Getty Images

"I'm mindful she has done a little bit this time in she has had a couple of runs already in her first preparation but is still ready to run a very good race on Saturday.

"She has that electric speed – she is very, very fast."

Baker is also optimistic about the chances of emerging mare Diamond Dealer, who is chasing her fifth win in 10 starts in the TAB Handicap (1100m).

"Diamond Dealer is very well and coming off a good last start win," he said. "She gets in with no weight and is an improving mare."

With 22 city winners since August 1 Baker is fourth in the Sydney premiership nearing the halfway mark of the season.

But Baker said the pressure to succeed is unrelenting given the competitive nature of Sydney racing.

"People have short memories and what might have happened last week is quickly forgotten," he said.

"With increased prizemoney comes better quality horses and it is more competitive than ever because in Sydney you have the best horses racing here.

"Sydney racing is very tough and very competitive but the prizemoney is what is driving this industry.

Bjorn Baker, pictured with his wife wife Andrea, has no plans to set up a satellite stable.

"Since I've been here it seems every year the prizemoney increases. I couldn't have timed my move to Sydney any better really."

Baker has gradually built his Warwick Farm stables to the point where he has nearly 100 horses in work.

Despite the size and success of his Sydney base, Baker has no plans to expand his training operation by opening an interstate satellite stable.

"To be successful in Sydney racing you have to be at the top of your game seven days a week," Baker said.

"Because it is so tough here, I need to focus 100 per cent on my team at Warwick Farm.

"If you suddenly split your team and spread them in all directions, it will be harder to be competitive week to week.

"I'm realistic, I have only so many good horses and I can't afford to split them by sending some interstate and still be successful in Sydney racing.

"At the end of the day, to me, winning at Randwick or Rosehill on a Saturday each week is the ultimate aim."

BJORN BAKER ON RACING'S IMPORTANT ISSUES

■ Animal Welfare

"In terms of the next generation and the longevity of the sport, I feel we need to broadcast more how well the horses are looked after.

"To be competitive in Sydney the horses need to be in absolutely perfect health. If they are not 100 per cent they can't compete at this high level and the industry needs to get that message out there that these horses are better treated than most pets and most people.

"They get the best veterinary treatment, the best dietary requirements, and they get the exercise that can make them fulfil their potential.

"A lot has been done by Racing NSW and others about the rehoming of retired racehorses and I think it is important we get that message across, too. There is life after racing for our horses."

Andrea Baker works on the marketing and social media for her husband, Bjorn.

■ Younger audiences

"The Everest has been remarkable for racing because it has really captured the imagination of younger racing fans. What Racing NSW has done there has been fantastic.

"In New Zealand it has struggled to get the next generation after me into the game. The younger generation does have so much competing for their interest so we need to do everything we can to get them involved."

■ Marketing Racing

"Our stable does a lot of social media, my wife Andrea runs that side of my business, and it has worked for me.

"We try to keep it real and it's all about having fun and enjoying this sport."

■ Racehorse ownership

"Syndications engages a lot of people and given them more of an insight into racing. A lot of owners I know are looking to increase their participation in the sport.

"I do think with racing once you have had a winner anywhere it is a great thrill and it is hard to shake that feeling. It is a fantastic industry to be involved."