The puzzle for punters is which version of Paradoxium will show up for the stallion-making sprint race at Flemington. Although Saturday marks Victoria Derby Day, the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) is the event generating significant anticipation, with the victor potentially emerging as a future $30 million stallion prospect.
Paradoxium, a son of Extreme Choice, certainly fits that profile following his impressive victory in the Poseidon Stakes (1100m) at Flemington last month. Trainer Bjorn Baker then brought the colt back to Sydney for the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on October 10, but he failed to perform for his numerous backers, missing a place.
Having returned to Melbourne just over a week ago, Paradoxium demonstrated his old form in an 800m jump-out at Flemington last Friday, easily outpacing rivals who were held under restraint. This performance mirrored the Paradoxium that impressed earlier.
Baker is no stranger to winning the Coolmore Stud Stakes, having achieved success with Ozzmosis in 2023. Ozzmosis, much like Paradoxium, had also been beaten in the Roman Consul before winning a Flemington jump-out leading up to his Coolmore victory.
“He’s a fast horse,” Baker commented on Paradoxium. “He won really well down the straight the first time and it was 800 (metres) the jump-out and you can look into it too much, but he’s going well and he’s a lot fitter for his last run.
“It’s a big ask. It’s a hard race to win the Coolmore, but I’m very much following what I did with Ozzmosis going through the Roman Consul and then a jump-out. Ozzmosis was very impressive, albeit from back in the field and made ground when he had the jump-out. It’s a big day, the Coolmore, but I love the horse. He’s very fast and hopefully he can utilise that speed.”
Baker acknowledges that the 1200m distance is a potential concern for Paradoxium on Saturday, admitting a slightly shorter race would be more ideal. “It is a question mark, no doubt about it,” Baker stated. “I wish it was 1100 metres because he is exceptionally quick. He’s got a high speed. He’ll be better for his last run, and he’s won at 1200 metres before. He won the Group 2 Todman as a two-year-old, so we know he can get the trip, it’s just whether he can get it against these top line three-year-olds.”
For those looking to place a wager, the Coolmore Stud Stakes presents an exciting opportunity to engage with the latest racing odds available at leading Australian betting sites.