Journalists Wandering Eyes Posted 7 hours ago Journalists Share Posted 7 hours ago Iowna Merc arrives in time to claim the Group 2 Ajax Stakes. Photo: Bradleyphotos.com.au Iowna Merc ($10.00) and Willaidow ($7.50) hit the line locked together in the Group 2 Ajax Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on Saturday afternoon, with the former narrowly getting the verdict in a tight finish to the $300,000 feature. The Bjorn Baker-trained gelding has gone to another level in this preparation, with the son of Winning Rupert securing his fourth win of the season and now has a free ticket into the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) provided they chose to head that way. It was a gritty win by the talented five-year-old, with he and Willaidow racing to the top in the early stages, and the race didn’t change complexion from there, with Pericles () and Ducasse () failing to make any inroads after lobbing on the pairs back throughout. It was Joshua Parr and Iowna Merc getting the head down where it matters most in the end, however, with the Baker gelding adding an eighth win to the resume. Baker was on course at Rosehill as an Australian citizen for the first time to discuss the win and couldn’t have been happier with the effort. “The race worked out well but he had to carry a big weight and he is now a Group 2 winner,” said Baker. “I am very lucky to be here. It’s the greatest country in the world with the best racing and I don’t say that lightheartedly. It’s been a very special place for me and my family. I did turn into a true Aussie – the day after my citizenship ceremony I had a sleep in! “Murray, any time he had a good horse he would bring it out. He loves Australia I think more than I do in some ways. He never won a Doncaster but he has done a lot better at the Championships than I have anyway.” Joshua Parr then spoke post-race. “Isn’t it remarkable,” said Parr. “He’s so lightly framed. He’s a big tall lad like me, I feel like I can wrap my legs around him two times. He’s got a big heart and a lot of will to win. “Interestingly Willaidow under pressure started to sneak down to the inside and my bloke followed him too. We were both trying to stay off the fence but as it turned out we fought it out the two of us down on the inside there and lucky for me we got the victory.” Iowna Merc is now a $26 chance with horse racing bookmakers for the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) on April 5. Horse racing news View the full article Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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