Arapaho ready for Group 1 Tancred Stakes challenge says Bjorn Baker

Trainer Bjorn Baker believes that his veteran galloper Arapaho can win the Group 1 Tancred Stakes at Rosehill Gardens Racecourse this Saturday. The eight-year-old has not impressed this season, but Baker says his record in this race specifically gives him hope that the gelding will do well again this weekend.

Arapaho previously won the Tancred Stakes back in 2023, where he beat out Chris Waller’s Montefilia by less than half a length.

“Preparation has been outstanding”

Arapaho has won just once so far this season. He finished runner up in his last start (the Group 3 Sky High Stakes). Before that, Arapaho placed fifth in the G1 Verry Elleegant Stakes and the G2 Apollo Stakes, respectively.

These were not stand out performances by any means, but Baker says he could not be happier with how his gelding has raced so far in 2025.

“He’s going great,” Baker said, when asked about Arapaho’s preparation for the Tancred.

“Of course, he won the race (the Tancred) two years ago. His runs this preparation have been outstanding, it’s hard to think he’s not going better than ever.

“The 2400 metres suits, he looks good and I think he definitely goes in a really good chance. We know he excels at 2400 metres, that’s probably his best distance.

“So I think with a bigger field and more tempo on, it will suit him.”

Tancred Stakes odds & Arapaho’s chances

While Baker is confident that Arapaho has what it takes to win the Tancred Stakes, the betting sites disagree. There is a clear gap between the veteran gelding and the top two Tancred Stakes favourites.

The betting apps currently have Dubai Honour and Vauban as the co-favourites with $3 odds to win. Arapaho is third favourite at the moment with $7 chances. However, there’s not much between him and the rest of the pack.

Desert Hero ($8), Duke De Sessa ($9), and Fawkner Park ($9) are all arguably just as likely to win the $1,500,000 race on Saturday.

History on the line

If Baker is right and Arapaho manages to win this weekend’s race, the gelding will have made history.

Since 1963 –when the race was inaugurated– just two horses have ever won the Tancred Stakes twice. 1996 Australian Horse of the Year winner Octagonal won the race in 1996 and 1997. Hall of Famer Tie The Knot finished first in both 1999 and 2000.

If Arapaho wins on Saturday, he will be in esteemed company as one of the most dominant horses in Tancred Stakes history.