Paradoxium appears spot-on for Saturday’s BJ McLachlan Stakes after completing his final piece of fast work ahead of the key Magic Millions lead-up at Eagle Farm.
The Bjorn Baker-trained colt worked strongly at Warwick Farm on Tuesday before making the journey north, arriving in Brisbane on Christmas Eve.
“He travelled overnight so he has arrived at Eagle Farm, and I’m excited about Saturday,” Baker said.
“He worked with a mate on Tuesday, and his work was really good. Rachel King rode him, (regular jockey) Jason Collett is away, and he looked to recover very well.”
Paradoxium made his racetrack debut in the Breeders’ Plate (1000m) in October, finishing a close-up fourth before stamping himself as a major two-year-old prospect with a dominant Wyong victory earlier this month.
Since that win, he has held down favouritism for the $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m), a race Baker has previously won with Unencumbered and O’ Ole.
Baker said Paradoxium’s preparation has followed a proven path, mirroring the lead-up Unencumbered took when completing the Wyong–B J McLachlan Stakes double.
The trainer believes the extended gap between Queensland’s major juvenile races this season has been beneficial.
“It’s individual to the horse,” Baker said.
“The year Unencumbered won, there was a shorter turnaround and now we’ve got three weeks, so it works a lot better. In terms of the preparation, this year we’re a lot happier.”
Saturday will mark Paradoxium’s first attempt at 1200 metres, though Baker is confident the colt has the foundation required.
“It’s always a bit of a question mark with a two-year-old, but he’s had a good base,” he said.
“He had two trials into that race, and I think he’s ready to run a good race.”
Masvingo remains part of Baker’s Magic Millions plans and will attempt to lock in her Gold Coast start when she lines up at Randwick this weekend.
“She will improve a lot from Wyong. Even if she runs second or third, up to 1200 (at the Gold Coast) she will be really well suited,” Baker said.
Baker confirmed Amor Victorious will head to Eagle Farm for the Seven Members Mile (1600m), pleased with how the gelding has come through his sixth-place finish in The Ingham (1600m).
Early betting for Saturday’s Brisbane features is available through the Australian betting sites list.