Trainer Bjorn Baker has reaped significant rewards from his decision to separate the promising colts Warwoven and Paradoxium, as both achieved impressive victories in their respective races, securing a dual-state stakes race double for the stable.
Just a couple of hours after Paradoxium demonstrated enduring speed to win the Group 3 Poseidon Stakes (1100m) at Flemington, Warwoven battled strongly against his rivals in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill, solidifying his prospects for the Golden Rose.
Despite starting from a wide gate and finishing fifth behind the Golden Slipper winner Guest House in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m) on his first run back, Warwoven, from a more favourable barrier on Saturday, was expertly positioned by jockey Rachel King to lead. Once in front, the three-year-old colt showed immense determination not to be overtaken.
“He’s such a good colt. He’s come back bigger and stronger,” said Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton. “Bjorn gave him a really good base into that first-up run, but just the tricky gate, he gave him some time, let him find his feet early on and he really let go late. I said to him yesterday, ‘do you think we put him forward today?’ And he said, ‘yep, put him forward. He’s ready.’ It worked out well. Great ride Rach, and he’s a quality colt.”
Warwoven saw his odds for the Golden Rose (1400m) shorten significantly, moving from $11 to $6, with Hilton confirming the Group 1 race remains a key target.
This sets up a potential rematch with Guest House, who had Warwoven’s measure in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m). While Hilton acknowledges the Golden Rose favourite will be a formidable opponent, he highlights the importance of the barrier draw.
“It’s hard after seeing what he did a couple of weeks ago,” Hilton commented on Guest House. “I think it will come down to gates. One thing we know about our horse is he’s bombproof. He can go forward, he can take a sit. He’s got a few things in his armour he can use. He’ll give him a good run for his money, and it’ll be a good race in a couple of weeks.”
In the Run To The Rose, Warwoven ($8) battled valiantly in the home straight to fend off the previously undefeated St Gotthard ($2.60 fav) by a neck. Under Focus ($6), who was slow to begin, finished a further 1-1/4 lengths back in third.
Jockey Rachel King praised the winner’s adaptability, suggesting it would serve him well in future races, and anticipates further improvement from Saturday’s performance.
“He leaves you a bit speechless. His acceleration today was unbelievable,” King remarked. “He just shows his versatility. First-up we knew it wasn’t grand final day, and he was always going to improve with the run. Today, he was straight on the ‘bunny’, relaxed beautifully. He was so mature for a young, relatively inexperienced colt.”
Paradoxium is slated for shorter sprint distances and is expected to return to Sydney for the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) on October 10, before heading back to Melbourne for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.
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