Bjorn Baker’s pair of hopefuls for the Golden Slipper face varying paths leading into the $5 million highlight, as Paradoxium gears up for a strong trial on Tuesday while Warwoven enjoys a low-key week.
Warwoven secured his spot in the two-year-old blockbuster via a commanding victory in Saturday’s Pago Pago Stakes (1200m), heading into the March 21 event on just a seven-day turnaround.
This wasn’t the path Baker had originally envisioned, yet with the colt on the edge of qualifying without additional earnings, the trainer had little choice but to proceed.
“You never quite know on the back up. It’s always a tricky business,” Baker said.
“But he couldn’t have done much more (on Saturday).
“It’s good to see him back and win that way. He had to do a fair bit early. Obviously, we will be very interested to see how he recovers and comes through and hopefully he can be there with Paradoxium, in the same (Cunningham family) colours, next week.”
In contrast to Warwoven’s recovery focus, Baker noted that Paradoxium is set to cap off his Golden Slipper prep with a solid session on Tuesday morning.
“Paradoxium will have a good gallop on Tuesday. He galloped on Thursday, and I was thrilled with him. He has definitely improved,” Baker said.
“(Warwoven) will be able to have a very easy week and relax, unlike his trainer and connections.”
With late entries closing on Monday, the Golden Slipper (1200m) final field gets announced Tuesday, alongside the vital barrier draw.
Without a standout prep performer among the juveniles, this edition looks highly competitive, and Baker stresses the draw’s heightened significance.
“So important. You can’t worry about it, but it definitely has a big impact,” he said.
Rachel King keeps the ride on Warwoven, with Jason Collett staying aboard Paradoxium.
“And I’d say there’s probably not too much between them on what we’re seeing at the moment,” Baker said.
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