Warwoven secured the Group I Sportsbet Caulfield Guineas on Saturday, adding the Melbourne classic to his earlier Golden Rose victory in Sydney. Ridden by Rachel King and trained by Bjorn Baker, the colt held off a determined challenge from Blind Raise to complete a rare and prestigious three-year-old double.
Warwoven Conquers Melbourne to Claim the Caulfield Guineas
Stepping out for his first start left-handed and stretching to 1600 metres for the first time, the Bjorn Baker-trained colt Warwoven added the $3 million Group I Sportsbet Caulfield Guineas to his resume on October 10, 2026. Coming off a stunning three-length triumph in the Group I Golden Rose at Rosehill on September 26, the standout three-year-old made his debut Melbourne trip a historic one. With the victory, he joins current leading sires The Autumn Sun, who won in 2018, and Ole Kirk, who took the race in 2020, as just the third colt to complete the coveted Golden Rose-Caulfield Guineas double.
After proving a handful on the way to the start, the talented colt settled into a smooth rhythm in fifth place under regular jockey Rachel King. Local hope Blind Raise, representing trainer Trent Busuttin, set the tempo and fought tenaciously when challenged at the home turn. King angled her mount to the outside at the top of the straight, steering the runner through his gears to collar the leader. Blind Raise kept lifting under pressure, but Warwoven’s class ultimately prevailed as he edged clear to win by a length and three-quarters, with Call Me Coach finishing more than three lengths further back in third.
Rachel King and the Stable Reflect on a Hard-Fought Victory
Connections admitted the Caulfield assignment brought a different kind of tension compared to their Sydney triumph. Saturday’s test at Caulfield carried mounting expectations for the star.
King, who has piloted Warwoven through every one of his race starts and barrier trials, expressed sheer amazement at the colt’s progression.
“I’ve certainly never sat on a horse like this, and he’s pretty unbelievable.”
Rachel King, Jockey, via Breednet
Stable representative Luke Hilton acknowledged the high stakes involved in the interstate raid. There was a bit more pressure today
, Hilton said, noting that the race unfolded differently than planned. He praised King for an incredible ride that relied on her thorough understanding of the animal beneath her.
Breeding Pedigree and Commercial Success Behind the Champion
Bred by Kia Ora Stud, Warwoven brings together a potent blend of Australian speed and stamina. He is the first foal of the Makfi mare Needle And Thread, a Group II winner who also placed in top-tier company.
The colt was initially purchased as a $380,000 Magic Millions yearling from Kia Ora by an ownership group comprising Ridgmont, Bjorn Baker Racing, S & J Gosling, and Clarke Bloodstock. He now races in the colours of Ridgmont, while Kia Ora retains an ownership share.
Warwoven is the headline act among eight winners sired by Sword Of State. The stallion commands a $50,000 service fee at Cambridge Stud and earned New Zealand Champion 2-Year-Old honours after capturing the Group 1 Sistema Stakes.