The original blueprint didn’t call for Warwoven tackling the Golden Slipper after only seven days, though Sydney rain predictions have trainer Bjorn Baker growing fonder of the bold approach.
Past quick-backup winners include 2019’s Kiamichi and Shinzo from three years ago, positioning Warwoven’s match fitness favourably if Rosehill softens Saturday.
With barrier 14, the colt traded at $7 on Wednesday; pre-draw co-favourite stablemate Paradoxium moved out to $8 in stall 18.
Baker affirms their trajectories remain ascending, buoyed by toughness displayed overcoming Magic Millions woes in Queensland.
“Both colts have got a great constitution and very good attitudes, so that gives you a bit of encouragement,” Baker said.
“They’ve both been on the way up, so if anything, the back-up could work to our advantage, especially if there is a little bit of rain around and the track does get demanding. Maybe that would tip me towards Warwoven.”
Rachel King takes the ride on Warwoven, poised to become the pioneer female jockey in the richest juvenile race worldwide upon success.
Blinkers enter the equation for the colt’s first go, a tactic Baker trusts for impact.
“He has worked in them previously and has gone very well so we thought, Saturday is the day to do it,” he said.
“It’s a bit of a risky move, but he’s drawn out a touch.
“We’ve got the option to go forward or take a sit. Rachel knows him very well, so we’ll figure that out.”
Paradoxium’s wide alley demands careful handling, per Baker.
“No doubt, the gate, he is going to have to overcome that,” he said.
“He’s just going to need a little bit of luck from out wide and make sure we get our tactics spot-on.
“But the main thing is we are here, and he is in good shape and healthy.”
Seven of 15 recent Golden Slipper winners came from barrier 8 or wider, six double digits.
Others altering gear like Warwoven: blinkers debut for Chris Waller’s Fireball, removed from Hidrix after Todman Stakes (1200m) flop.
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