Two-year-old Paradoxium has recovered from pneumonia to position himself strongly for the Golden Slipper after a stunning victory in the Todman Stakes at Randwick.
A leading contender for the Magic Millions Classic on the Gold Coast in January after triumphing in a crucial Wyong preparatory event, the colt trained by Bjorn Baker was sidelined from Queensland’s premier summer race due to falling ill.
There was uncertainty about whether he could return in time for a Golden Slipper campaign, but following an impressive workout session a few weeks back, Baker expressed assurance that the young horse was ready again.
“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.”
Paradoxium ($2.60 fav), ridden straight to the lead by Jason Collett, repelled Hidrix’s bid at the top of the straight and powered home, fending off Silver Slipper winner Stretan Ruler ($3) by 1-1/2 lengths, with Wolf Gap ($5.50) the same distance back in third.
Although the winning time was nearly a second slower than Chayan’s in the Reisling Stakes (1200m) for fillies earlier on the card, Paradoxium looked sharp visually in his return after a three-month absence.
Baker noted that the juvenile’s innate speed was a key strength, ideal 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.”
Chad Schofield had no complaints about his runner-up’s performance, noting it would suit a truer pace.
“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.”
Following his Todman Stakes success, Paradoxium shortened to $5 favourite for the Slipper, ahead of stablemate Warwoven ($6) and Chayan ($9), while Stretan Ruler drifted marginally to $11.
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