Collett chasing further Millions at Wyong
Jason Collett will look to recreate last year’s Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic (RL, 1100m) success when he teams with Paradoxium (Extreme Choice) in Wednesday’s $200,000 feature.
Collett won the race 12 months ago aboard O’ Ole (Ole Kirk), who later claimed the Magic Millions 2YO Classic (RL, 1100m) on the Gold Coast, albeit with Tommy Berry in the saddle. Collett elected to ride Icarian Dream (Blue Point) in the $3 million showpiece, but he now reunites with Paradoxium, whom he partnered on debut for a fourth placing in the Breeders’ Plate (Gr 3, 1000m) on October 4.
“He has got a lot of class about him, a lot of speed, it’s just a case of harnessing it,” Collett said. “I like him. He has come back better, a bit more furnished from that first preparation and first run.”
The colt has since impressed with two trial victories and Collett admits he would welcome a performance that compels him to stay with the youngster on the Gold Coast. A $400,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, Paradoxium is among eight runners in a race that has historically served as a strong lead-up to the Magic Millions 2YO Classic.
Bjorn Baker saddles both Paradoxium and Masvingo (Zoustar), the latter a Gimcrack Stakes (Gr 3, 1000m) third-placegetter to be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy. Also lining up are Seeiaye (Russian Revolution) and Mystical (Exceed And Excel), the Max Lees Classic (900m) quinella, along with three well-bred debutants: Celtic Spy (Farnan) for Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, Belvante (Farnan) for Anthony and Sam Freedman and Ciaron Maher’s Home Affairs (I Am Invincible) filly Behindcloseddoors.
The 2YO Classic is one of two Magic Millions features on the Wyong program, alongside the $150,000 Wyong 3&4YO Stakes (1200m), where Collett will again partner O’ Ole. No horse has completed the Wyong Magic Millions double, but Collett believes O’ Ole can rebound from her disappointing Red Roses Stakes (Gr 3, 1100m) effort at Flemington.
“She was a bit above herself the day she resumed in Melbourne but she had a trial the other day and went really well,” he said.
O’ Ole has drawn barrier two, just outside King Of Roseau (Capitalist), while former Magic Millions 2YO Classic placegetter Spywire (Trapeze Artist) holds favouritism and will jump from barrier four under Adam Farragher .