Race Result:
1st: Arapaho (B Baker/R King) - $14
2nd: Montefilia (D Payne/D Gibbons) - $4F
3rd: King Frankel (M Newnham/T Schiller) - $16
Winning Time: 2:29.86 Last 600m: 34.81
Margins: Short Neck x ¾L
Winning Trainer: Bjorn Baker
On how far he's come: "Absolutely thrilled, he's been a great horse. This time last year we were hoping to win about a benchmark 70 race, so it's worked out well."
On the ride: "He traveled beautifully, Rachel (King) got it right. She just puts him in the zone, she really suits with him so fantastic. Great team of owners, we're going to have some fun."
On the possible celebrations with owners tonight: "I've got a dinner party so I'm out. I've got to make the most of the next two hours, I'll need a driver though."
Winning Jockey: Rachel King
On her association with the horse: "I just know he's got the biggest heart ever this horse, he's not the biggest in himself. I actually said on the way here whenever Arapaho is running it's a good day because you just know he's going to try his hardest. He certainly showed them what he can do today."
"He's been a superstar to me. Thanks to the owners and Bjorn (Baker) and everyone at home has done a fantastic job. This horse has improved to no end this preparation. He's the prime example of he's a happy horse and he'll run his heart out every time. No matter what he gives you 110 percent every start. He's never run a bad race for me, he took me around in a Melbourne Cup last year (11th) he'll be back there a bit more competitive this year."
On bouncing back to form: "Bjorn has been fantastic, him and the connections have supported me the whole way through. I probably haven't had the best start to this carnival and I felt like I was treading water a little bit. To get a winner earlier and then come and win a Group 1 on him has made my carnival much better and hopefully it can keep going from here."
On the way the race was run: "He's a unique kind of stayer where he has a very good turn of foot as well. But that really helped him (the tempo getting put into the race) he was still trucking through his gears when everyone else was sort of off the bridle in front of me and I had to try and be a little bit patient and wait because I didn't want to get there too soon."
On will he get the 3200m of the Sydney Cup?: "Easy."
Beaten Jockeys:
Mark Zahra (Gold Trip): "I thought he ran super today. Had to go back a little bit too far from the draw. I reckon he is spot on for the Sydney Cup."
Tim Clark (Knights Order): "He is running very consistently. Probably just wants some cut in the track."
Nash Rawiller (Vow And Declare): "He went super. I'd like to think they can get him there for the Sydney Cup."
Sam Clipperton (Stockman): "Race wasn't run to suit. I do believe he is still right on track."
John Allen (Explosive Jack): "His run was OK. Better suited by the Randwick and slower."
Tom Marquand (Selino): "Ran OK. Wants to be over further and on wet ground."
Regan Bayliss (Sir Lucan): "I thought he was sound."
Kerrin McEvoy (Cleveland): "Great run. Travelled well around there. Shows he is in good form. He finished off well the last furlong."
Tyler Schiller (King Frankel): "He has run super. I can't wait for the Sydney Cup when he gets down in weight. He is looking for that trip. Going really well."
Chad Schofield (Saracen Knight): "He wants heavy ground."
Dylan Gibbons (Montefilia): "I hit a bad patch at the 600m and I thought she broke down for a couple of strides. She did a good job to regather herself and get that close."
Josh Parr (Tappy's Lad): "He was beaten a long way from home. Hope he pulls up OK."