Paradoxium ready for final 2026 Magic Millions Classic test

Trainer Bjorn Baker is confident Paradoxium is ready to uphold his Magic Millions favouritism following a sharp final workout ahead of Saturday’s BJ McLachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm.

The promising colt completed his final serious gallop at Warwick Farm on Tuesday before being transported to Queensland, arriving safely in Brisbane on Christmas Eve.

“He travelled overnight so he has arrived at Eagle Farm, and I’m excited about Saturday,” Baker said.

“He worked with a mate on Tuesday, and his work was really good. Rachel King rode him, (regular jockey) Jason Collett is away, and he looked to recover very well.”

After making his debut with a strong fourth in the Breeders’ Plate (1000m), Paradoxium confirmed his credentials as a top-class two-year-old when scoring decisively in a key Wyong lead-up race earlier this month.

That win saw him installed as favourite for the $2 million Magic Millions Classic (1200m), with Baker chasing a third Gold Coast victory following the successes of Unencumbered and O’ Ole.

Baker said he was happy to follow a preparation that had previously delivered results, noting Unencumbered’s path through the same Queensland races.

He added that the longer gap between the B J McLachlan Stakes and the Magic Millions this season had been a positive.

“It’s individual to the horse,” Baker said.

“The year Unencumbered won, there was a shorter turnaround and now we’ve got three weeks, so it works a lot better. In terms of the preparation, this year we’re a lot happier.”

Although Paradoxium will be stepping out to 1200 metres for the first time, Baker believes his conditioning will stand him in good stead.

“It’s always a bit of a question mark with a two-year-old, but he’s had a good base,” he said.

“He had two trials into that race, and I think he’s ready to run a good race.”

Masvingo also remains on Baker’s Magic Millions radar and will attempt to strengthen her claims with a Randwick appearance this weekend.

“She will improve a lot from Wyong. Even if she runs second or third, up to 1200 (at the Gold Coast) she will be really well suited,” Baker said.

Amor Victorious will take his place in the Seven Members Mile (1600m) at Eagle Farm, Baker confirming the gelding has thrived since finishing sixth in The Ingham (1600m).

Punters can keep track of markets for Paradoxium and the Magic Millions via the Australian betting sites list.