After overcoming pneumonia, two-year-old Paradoxium has thrust himself into Golden Slipper picture with a commanding win in the Todman Stakes at Randwick.

Positioned as a top pick for the Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast in January on the back of a strong Wyong lead-up success, Bjorn Baker’s colt missed the Queensland event after contracting the illness.

A Slipper comeback seemed uncertain, but a sharp trackwork display weeks ago reassured Baker of the juvenile’s full recovery.

“Full credit to all my team, particularly my vet, Allan Frogley, and the vets who looked after him up in Queensland,” Baker said.

“He got very, very sick, very fast and for him to get back here and do that is pretty special.

“I think he is going to improve a heap out of this. He’d only had the one trial, and he’s got a good two weeks’ into the Slipper now, and he’s in.”

Under Jason Collett, Paradoxium ($2.60 fav) went forward early, turning back Hidrix at the straight’s crest and digging deep to prevail by 1-1/2 lengths over Silver Slipper champ Stretan Ruler ($3), with Wolf Gap ($5.50) third, the same margin away.

His time was almost a second outside Chayan’s in the earlier Reisling Stakes (1200m) for fillies, but the colt’s return after three months was eye-catching.

The trainer praised Paradoxium’s raw speed as vital for the Golden Slipper (1200m).

“Speed, speed, speed. That’s what we breed for in Australia. Fast, strong, tough horses,” Baker said.

“I’ll tell you what, he’s fast and tough and hopefully we’ll find out how strong he is in a couple of weeks.”

Runner-up’s rider Chad Schofield explained the pace didn’t suit, but was pleased overall.

“It was just a trot and canter up front,” Schofield said.

“The winner had a picnic and sprinted sharply. My horse was very strong late.”

Paradoxium is now $5 Slipper favourite after the Todman, leading stablemate Warwoven ($6) and Chayan ($9), as Stretan Ruler slipped to $11.

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