Bjorn Baker has twice previously won the $200,000 Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1100m) with Unencumbered and O’ Ole who both went on to win the Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast and the likable trainer believes he can do it again!
He saddled two runners in the feature event on Thursday in Extreme Choice colt Paradoxium and Zoustar filly Masvingo with the pair finishing first and third, but the colt was in a class of his own.
Fourth in the Group III ATC Breeders Plate on debut at the start of spring, Paradoxium went into this assignment brimming with confidence after two easy wins at the trials.
Jason Collett has ridden Paradoxium in every trial and race to date and had no hesitation going forward to take the lead.
Eyeballed by Seeiaye up until the turn, Paradoxium shook that colt off after turning for home and cruised clear to win by nearly three lengths over Exceed and Excel filly Mystical with Masvingo in third.
“Bringing them here, and this is what it's about. We're in the Magic Millions now!” said an elated Bjorn Baker.
“I'm hoping, third time lucky, I've won this race twice before and they've gone on to win it. This colt is as good, if not better than both of them, so it’s very, very exciting.
“I thought Masvingo was good too. She's picked up more money and hopefully can get up there too. I think I've got the best bunch of two-year-olds I've ever had by quite a margin.
“This colt has got a great attitude to back it up and that's the good part about it. You don't quite know until you put pressure on these athletes, what you've got.
“I think he might be pretty special.”
Paradoxium has now won $122,200 in prizemoney and is assured of his place in the $3million Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast on January 17, but is likely to have another run before then.
“We'll just have a good think about it and see how he comes through this first and foremost,” Baker said.
“I'd like to go through the Bruce McLachlan (G3) more than likely.”
Paradoxium was a $400,000 Magic Millions purchase from Silverdale Farm for Bjorn Baker Racing/Clarke Bloodstock Pty Ltd (FBAA)/Ridgmont and is the first foal of stakes-placed Better Than Ready mare Paredo.
She is a half-sister to stakes-placed Snipzu, the dam of Group I placed colt Don Corleone, who is also by Paradoxium’s sire Extreme Choice.
Another close relation is Group I winner Private Harry, while unbeaten Perth stakes-winner Hot and High also appears in the pedigree of an old family that is enjoying somewhat of a resurgence.
Purchased from the Inglis Chairman’s Sale in 2023 by Silverdale Farm for $475,000, Paredo has a yearling filly by Zoustar and produced a filly foal this spring by I Am invincible.
Paradoxium is the 17th stakes-winner for Newgate Farm’s Extreme Choice, who has 12 entries for Magic Millions.
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