New suit, two runners – Baken is ready for the Cup

Canterbury owner Peter Baken loves Cup Day, particularly the New Zealand Cup.

“It’s everybody’s dream to have a horse in the race. I’ve been very lucky, I’ve had two in it three times now,” Baken said.

In this years $800,000 Group One Go Media New Zealand Trotting Cup Baken has shares in both The Lazarus Effect and Marketplace, two of the country’s best chances in the great race.

The Lazarus Effect (Lazarus) trained by Bob Butt has been in great form this spring winning three of his four starts.

“He’s done a super job. He was the first by Lazarus that Mark Purdon bought. I always had a thing in my head because I was also in Chase Auckland (also trained by Purdon) and he was Auckland Reactor’s first good horse,” said Baken.

Purdon originally trained The Lazarus Effect but after the gelding sustained an injury he was transferred to Woodend Beach to Bob Butt’s stable.

Tomorrow his second row draw could negate his brilliant stand start ability, but Baken says the draw is what it is.

“I also had Bet N Win and Midnight Dash (in the Dominion draw). I pulled out three for Midnight Dash and fourteen for Bet N Win (laughter). It is what it is. He’s following out Leap To Fame so hopefully he can stay on his back for as long as he can and we’ll see what happens.”

Baken also has a fifteen percent share in boom pacer Marketplace (Bettor’s Delight).

“Everywhere he’s gone we’ve gone (he and his partner Judy Shaw). We went to Australia and that was a good trip. He finished second to Captains Mistress and we would have got closer with a better barrier draw.”

Compared to The Lazarus Effect the Regan Todd trained Marketplace has drawn a good marble.

“He’s on the outside of the front line. He can begin really fast so he can come out where he wants and just try and drop in.”

Peter loves his horses and has had shares in more than 300 winners. His first winner was Tudela Bromac at the Hororata Racecourse in March 1983.

The first of Baken’s twelve 12 Group One New Zealand wins came in March 2018 when A G’s White Socks won the Easter Cup at Addington.

Baken is known for his styled dress code and this year he has some new kit.

“I bought a suit in Australia when I was over there with Marketplace. I wear a different hat depending on what I’m wearing. It’s going to be raining so I may have to change my hat.”

And when it comes to favourite vantage point to watch the Cup, he’ll be found outside of the Christian Cullen Lounge.

“It’s great there because you can just walk out and watch the race. It’s a good spot.”

His previous Cup runners have been AG’s White Socks, Chase Auckland and Vessem.

Australian runner Leap To Fame, Kingman and Swayzee are expected to dominate the betting in the Cup this year but both The Lazarus Effect and Marketplace will have their followers.

The Cup gets underway at 5.48pm.

by Bruce Stewart, for Harnesslink