Bjorn Baker is hopeful Paradoxium can continue a proven blueprint after the colt’s commanding win in the Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic.
The Wyong feature has produced two Magic Millions Classic winners for Baker—Unencumbered in 2013 and O’Ole earlier this year—and he believes Paradoxium may be his best chance yet.
Sent out $2.35 favourite, the colt powered home by 2-3/4 lengths over Mystical ($6), with Masvingo ($5) finishing third.
“We’re in the Magic Millions now and I’m hoping third time lucky. I have won this race twice before and they’ve gone on to win it,” Baker said.
“I think this guy is as good, if not better, than all of them. Very, very exciting.
“Masvingo was good too. She has picked up more money and hopefully we can get her there too.”
Paradoxium, a $400,000 son of Extreme Choice, debuted with a strong fourth in the Breeders’ Plate before winning two trials leading into Wednesday.
Jason Collett was impressed with the colt’s ability to absorb early pressure.
“He copped some pressure early, he soaked it up and he kicked off it, which was good,” Collett said.
“I’m excited riding nice two-year-olds like him.”
Baker believes his juvenile team this season is exceptional.
“I think I have got the best bunch of two-year-olds I’ve ever had, and by a margin,” he said.
Paradoxium will now target the B J McLachlan Stakes before setting his sights on the Magic Millions Classic.
Later in the program, The Three Hundred ($6.50) captured the Magic Millions Wyong 3YO & 4YO Stakes, edging out King Of Roseau ($2.80) and Spywire ($2.30 fav). Protests from the placegetters were dismissed.
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