Egyptian Symbol ends Baker’s lean spell

A frustrating run for trainer Bjorn Baker has come to an end with Egyptian Symbol cruising to victory in the Group Three Nivison.

Egyptian Symbol got to the lead at the 300m and never looked back.

She finished more than a length in front of the heavily backed Artistry, who came in from $8 to $4.60 before Saturday’s race over 1200m.

Rule The River ($7) was third.

After a career-best season last term, Baker finished fourth in last season’s NSW premiership.

But the stable’s fortunes came crashing back to earth after being hit by a virus during winter.

Group One winner Music Magnate was ruled out of the spring carnival and his stablemates endured a lean run.

Baker is hopeful Egyptian Symbol’s win is the start of a turnaround in his fortunes.

“I did need it today,” Baker said.

“It’s been a while between drinks. We’ve had a bit of a run of outs.

“Often it takes a good horse to break one of those runs so thankfully, I’m lucky I’ve got one.”

Jockey Jason Collett put Egyptian Symbol outside leader Magic Alibi after jumping from barrier nine.

Collett said it ended up being a good draw, but Egyptian Symbol would improve when ridden with cover.

“She did that easy but it’s still lonely there in front,” Collett said.

The Nivison made it a black-type race double for Collett after he won the Listed Brian Crowley Stakes on Spright.

Baker will wait to see how Egyptian Symbol recovers from her first-up run before deciding whether she will run during Melbourne’s spring carnival.

“I think she’ll go to another level than this next time as well,” Baker said.

“It’s a long straight there but she did a good job.

“I think the best is yet to come from her.”

Egyptian Symbol is nominated for the Group One Darley Classic at Flemington on November 5.

The four-year-old mare shortened from $71 to $51 for the $1 milion sprint, while Spieth tightened from $51 to $17 after winning the Listed Lightning.