Paradoxium surges into Slipper contention with Todman victory
Saturday produced a fine few hours for Bjorn Baker, when Caballus’ talented juvenile stablemate Paradoxium (Extreme Choice) thrust himself firmly into Golden Slipper (Gr 1, 1200m) contention after a strong return victory in Saturday’s Todman Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) at Randwick.
The colt had been among the leading fancies for January’s Magic Millions 2YO Classic (RL, 1200m) following his impressive Wyong 2YO Classic (RL, 1200m) lead-up victory but was forced to miss the Gold Coast feature after contracting pneumonia.
With his recovery initially uncertain, Baker credited his veterinary team for helping the son of Extreme Choice (Not A Single Doubt) return to racing in time to mount a Slipper campaign.
“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 one trial and he’s got a good two weeks into the Slipper now — and he’s in.”
The Todman has proved a fine breeding ground for subsequent Slipper winners and should Paradoxium line up in Sydney’s prestigious Group 1 on March 21 he will be aiming to become the seventh colt to land the double. The feat was most recently completed by Farnan (Not A Single Doubt) in 2020.
Ridden positively by Jason Collett, the $2.60 favourite went straight to the lead and travelled comfortably before shaking off Hidrix (Extreme Choice) at the top of the straight. He proved strong through the line to defeat Silver Slipper (Gr 2, 1100m) winner Stretan Ruler (Wild Ruler) by 1.4 lengths, with Wolf Gap (Palace Pier) a further 1.5 lengths away in third.
While the overall time was slower than the fillies’ Reisling Stakes (Gr 2, 1200m) won by Chayan (I Am Invincible) earlier on the card, the performance was visually impressive given Paradoxium was resuming from a three-month break.
Baker believes the colt’s natural speed will prove a major asset heading into the Slipper.
“Speed, speed, speed. That’s what we breed for in Australia: fast, strong, tough horses,” he 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 said runner-up Stretan Ruler was brave in defeat and would benefit from a stronger tempo.
“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.”
Following the victory, Paradoxium firmed to $5 favouritism for the Golden Slipper at Rosehill on March 21, ahead of stablemate Warwoven (Sword Of State) ($6) and Chayan ($9), while Stretan Ruler eased slightly to $11.
Bought by his trainer, Jim Clarke Bloodstock and Ridgmont for $400,000 at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Paradoxium’s half-sister by Zoustar will be offered in the Silverdale Farm draft at Inglis Easter (Lot 9).