Jason Collett is hoping for a sense of déjà vu at Wyong on Wednesday when he partners Paradoxium in the $200,000 Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1100m).
Collett won the race last year aboard O’ Ole, who later claimed the Magic Millions 2YO Classic on the Gold Coast—though not with him in the saddle, as he chose to ride Icarian Dream in the $3 million feature.
His confidence is high ahead of his reunion with Paradoxium, who he rode into fourth place on debut in the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m) on October 4.
The colt, by Extreme Choice, has since won two trials stylishly, prompting Collett to hope for a performance that secures him the Gold Coast ride.
“He has got a lot of class about him, a lot of speed, it’s just a case of harnessing it,” Collett said.
“I like him. He has come back better, a bit more furnished from that first preparation and first run.”
The $400,000 yearling is among eight acceptors for a race that often proves a strong preview to the Gold Coast finale.
Past Wyong winners to shine at the Magic Millions include Unencumbered and Capitalist, while horses such as Madeenaty, She’s All Class and Highness placed at the Gold Coast after winning at Wyong. Farnan and Jonker also impressed at Wyong before later securing Group 1 victories.
Trainer Bjorn Baker has two runners in the Classic — Paradoxium and Masvingo, the Zoustar filly who ran third in the Gimcrack Stakes and will be partnered by Kerrin McEvoy.
Seeiaye and Mystical, the top two from the Max Lees Classic, also line up, alongside four well-bred first starters.
Waterhouse and Bott prepare Celtic Sky, while Anthony and Sam Freedman will run Belvante, both colts by Farnan who finished behind Paradoxium in a recent trial.
Hawkes Racing introduce Marwooba, a $400,000 Wootton Bassett colt, while Ciaron Maher saddles Behindcloseddoors, a Home Affairs filly purchased for $250,000.
Also on the program is the $150,000 Wyong 3&4YO Stakes (1200m), where Collett will again partner O’ Ole.
No horse has ever won both Wyong Magic Millions features, though Collett believes O’ Ole can rebound from her below-par run in the Group 3 Red Roses Stakes (1100m).
“She was a bit above herself the day she resumed in Melbourne but she had a trial the other day and went really well,” Collett said.
O’ Ole draws barrier two, inside King Of Roseau, while former Magic Millions 2YO Classic placegetter Spywire has barrier four and sits high in betting.
Fans looking to back runners across the Wyong card can find bookmaker comparisons at Australia’s best betting sites.
