Warwoven strengthens Bjorn Baker’s Magic Millions Classic 2026 team
Bjorn Baker’s Magic Millions Classic team has gained further strength after Warwoven made an immediate impact with an impressive debut victory at Randwick.
The colt, well-backed at $3.40, travelled sweetly in the middle of the field before Rachel King asked him to lengthen in the straight, powering away to win by 2-1/4 lengths over Norman’s Cay ($5.50), with Hardanger ($13) narrowly holding third.
Shiki, the odds-on favourite, set the pace but weakened late to finish fourth, beaten 2-3/4 lengths.
Baker conceded the win was especially pleasing given Warwoven had just one trial and was stepping out at a distance short of his ideal.
“I thought it was a big ask,” Baker said.
“He only had the one trial, so I was questioning that, whether he was quite fit enough and whether the 1000-metres was going to be too sharp for him. So absolutely thrilled.”
The result further bolsters Baker’s hand for the Magic Millions Classic (1200m), where Paradoxium remains the $3.50 market leader and Warwoven now sits at $6 alongside The Debut winner Lumbini.
Saturday’s prizemoney has locked Warwoven into the Magic Millions Classic field, though Baker remains flexible on whether he gives the colt another outing beforehand.
“I know going to 1100 and 1200 in the Magic Millions he is going to be better suited, so very exciting,” he said.
King said Warwoven’s ability has convinced her to postpone a Japanese riding engagement to focus on the Gold Coast carnival.
“He’s one of the main reasons why I’m not going back to Japan until after the Magic Millions and then I’ll be back a month before the Golden Slipper too,” King said.
“The first time I sat on him, it was like riding an old five-year-old gelding around the track.
“He has been a beautiful horse the whole way through, but he’s been quite immature mentally, a bit on the dopey side at times.
“He’s got the kindest attitude, but he’s got that feeling of class about him as well.”
Clark was unconcerned by Shiki’s defeat, suggesting the filly raced fresh after her Gimcrack Stakes (1000m) triumph.
“She was just a bit free through the middle stages, which she can be,” Clark said.
“She has got to harness that a little bit. With the run under her belt, hopefully that will settle her down.
“She will be alright. She will bounce back.”
Warwoven’s path to the Magic Millions can be followed via current markets at Australia’s betting sites list.
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