Cherry Baker

What stands out is Cherry Baker's preference for shorter distances. Over 5 furlongs to 6½ furlongs — punchy races that suit horses with early pace — it has won 2 of 5 runs, a 40% win rate that is twice its overall win rate. That is the distance band where this horse shines. When stepped up in class to Class 2 or better, however, it has struggled: no wins from 3 attempts at that level. The recent runs tell a mixed story — a place two weeks ago sandwiched between a couple of unplaced efforts before that Chester win in May. Trainer James Owen, based at Newmarket, has been sending out winners at a steady clip this season (205 so far), and he clearly believes there is enough in Cherry Baker to keep running it regularly. The horse raced just a day ago, so it remains actively campaigned. At three years old with a couple of wins banked, Cherry Baker is still very much a work in progress, one that needs to find its way back to the winner's enclosure sooner rather than later.