Our Bjorn Baker-trained mare Perfumist has earned her place among a select group of fillies and mares invited to contest Saturday’s $2m Group 2 The Invitation over 1400m at Royal Randwick.
Introduced in 2021, The Invitation is a unique feature of the Sydney Spring Carnival, with the field restricted to 12 fillies and mares selected by a Racing NSW panel. Unlike most races, where horses can nominate and gain a start based on their eligibility, runners must receive an invitation from Racing NSW to compete.
Perfumist’s most recent outing in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap didn’t go to plan, and she was unable to produce her best. However, we are happy to put a line through that performance and are hopeful she can bounce back to the form that saw her make such a strong start to her spring campaign with victory in the Group 3 Tibbie Stakes.
Perfumist wins the G3 Tibbie Stakes at Newcastle
She will jump from barrier 4 on Saturday, with Aaron Bullock booked to ride. Baker certainly knows what it takes to win the event, having claimed the past two editions with Belclare in 2024 and Stefi Magnetica in 2025. He’ll be hoping to make it three in a row with Perfumist this Saturday and can’t fault her condition heading into the weekend.
“I think she should be able to get a gun run from that barrier. She could not look any better, she looks better than she ever has. Obviously a tough race but it’s $2 million, you’ve gotta be in it to win it!”
Following her final gallop on Tuesday morning, Bjorn was equally pleased with her work.
“She went absolutely super this morning. She appreciated getting back on top of the ground and that’s the key. It should set her up well to go to the Big Dance afterwards.”
A return to some firmer footing is important, so fingers crossed the rain stays away and she gets her chance to show her best!