Paradoxium claims Todman Stakes to lead Golden Slipper betting
Paradoxium, the two-year-old colt, has made a remarkable comeback from pneumonia, securing a spot in Golden Slipper calculations via a dominant display in the Todman Stakes at Randwick.
After his win in an important Wyong trial, he was a prime candidate for January's Magic Millions Classic at the Gold Coast, but illness forced his withdrawal from the Queensland highlight.
His readiness for a Slipper challenge was in doubt, yet a strong gallop on the track weeks ago convinced Baker that the colt was on track for recovery.
"Full credit to all my team, particularly my vet, Allan Frogley, and the vets who looked after him up in Queensland," Baker said.
"He got very, very sick, very fast and for him to get back here and do that is pretty special.
"I think he is going to improve a heap out of this. He'd only had the one trial, and he's got a good two weeks' into the Slipper now, and he's in."
Taking the lead early under Jason Collett, the $2.60 favourite Paradoxium withstood Hidrix atop the straight before holding on gamely, beating Silver Slipper victor Stretan Ruler ($3) by 1-1/2 lengths, and Wolf Gap ($5.50) was another 1-1/2 lengths adrift in third.
The clock was close to a second behind Chayan's time in the preceding Reisling Stakes (1200m) for the fillies, but Paradoxium's effort stood out to observers in his first outing for three months.
According to Baker, the young horse's quick acceleration was among his top qualities, perfect for tackling the Golden Slipper (1200m).
"Speed, speed, speed. That's what we breed for in Australia. Fast, strong, tough horses," Baker said.
"I'll tell you what, he's fast and tough and hopefully we'll find out how strong he is in a couple of weeks."
Jockey Chad Schofield was satisfied with the second placegetter, suggesting a firmer gallop would help.
"It was just a trot and canter up front," Schofield said.
"The winner had a picnic and sprinted sharply. My horse was very strong late."
Paradoxium tightened to $5 in Golden Slipper betting post-Todman, edging stablemate Warwoven ($6) and Chayan ($9), as Stretan Ruler eased to $11.
Head to leading online bookmakers to check racing odds for the Golden Slipper.
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