The rollercoaster ride of racing has been playing out for popular trainer Bjorn Baker this year with his top class colts Paradoxium and Warwoven both ruled out of the Magic Millions 2YO Classic, but now he’s back cooking with gas and ‘touch wood’ both are set to take their place in the Golden Slipper next Saturday.
Paradoxium bounced back to win the Group II ATC Todman Stakes last Saturday and Warwoven booked his Golden Slipper ticket with a professional effort to win the $250,000 Group III ATC Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on Saturday.
Ridden again by Rachel King, Warwoven was looking to bounce back from a close up last start fourth in the Group II ATC Skyline Stakes to Campione D’Italia.
With improved fitness and a positive ride from King, Warwoven surged past the leader Star of Jamaica with a furlong to run and was strong to the line winning by a length over Outspan with race favourite Central Europe in third place.
Bjorn Baker looks to have a strong hand in the Slipper now with his two star colts both going to their grand final in top form.
“We’re not counting our chickens until he’s at the start line, but it’s exciting to have two in the Slipper (also Paradoxium),” Baker said.
“It was great to see him do that, he’s a promising horse. He had to do a bit of work early today so hopefully he can peak next week. We’ve got to first and foremost see how he’s come through.
“He’ll be able to have a very easy week, rest and relax, unlike his trainer and connections.”
Rachel King has ridden Warwoven in every start to date and is his biggest fan.
“We would’ve been devastated if he wasn’t there (in the Slipper) because as he’s proven today he deserves his spot,” she said.
“We knew he was going to be slightly underdone last start, we were hoping class would get us though and probably the track brought us undone a touch. But he’s come out today and showed us what he can do.
“He’s still got improvement to come, he’s still very casual. He was very casual mid-race, very casual when he got to the front. But I love a colt like that, he’s got a fantastic attitude, nothing worries him.”
Like the Magic Night Stakes winner Pembrey, Warwoven was also bred by Kia Ora Stud.
A $380,000 Magic Millions purchase from Kia Ora for Ridgmont/Bjorn Baker Racing/S & J Gosling /Clarke Bloodstock Pty Ltd, Warwoven runs for an ownership group that includes Ridgmont in whose colours he runs with Kia Ora also retaining an interest.
With three wins from four starts and prizemoney just shy of $300,000, he is the first foal of Group II winner Needle and Thread, who comes from an elite European female packed with quality stayers, so this guy has a real mix of Aussie speed and stamina on the page.
His first four dams all won up to at least 2000m and three of the four are stakes-winners which tells you Warwoven is not short on class or stamina.
The second foal of Needle and Thread is a colt by Farnan that was sold by Kia Ora as a weanling last year for $65,000.
Purchased by Kia Ora Stud online through Gavelhouse from the Valachi Downs Dispersal for $410,000, Needle and Thread produced a filly by Farnan for Kia Ora last spring.
Warwoven is the second stakes-winner for Cambridge Stud’s first season sire Sword of State, a Group I winning Champion NZ 2YO by Snitzel.
