![Bjorn Baker’s stable turnaround continues as Paradoxium storms into Golden Slipper favouritism [Bradley Photos]](https://betsy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2263597.jpg)
Bjorn Baker had thought 2026 was jinxed, but the last month renewed his faith in himself and his systems.
He has gone from wondering where his next winner was coming from in town, to Pericles winning the Futurity a couple of weeks and leaving Randwick with the top two in the Golden Slipper and another Group 1 from Callabus in the Newmarket Handicap at Flemington.
“It is always a special day when you win a Group 1, but today is near the top,” Baker said.
“I don’t mind saying the start of this year, we met our own expectations. I was starting to think whether I was getting wrong.
“You worry that you are getting left behind.
“A bit of bad luck with Paradoxium and Warwoven at the Magic Millions seemed flowed on for a couple of months.
“Now we are seeing how good they are, and we get to prove it in the Golden Slipper.
“It was like winning two Group 1s today with Paradoxium winning, because I’ll be truthful, I didn’t think he would be here when he got sick in Queensland.”
Paradoxium was boosted to $5 Golden Slipper favourite after he took control of the Todman Stakes and beat Stretan Ruler showing off his devastating sprint.
Although he went slower than the fillies, Baker warned there is more to come.
“He had a lot longer off than Warwoven, so he was the one I was really worried about when it came to Slipper,” Baker said.
“It was a smart ride by Jason [Collett] and I think there is improvement there for us to find.”
Collett ambled through the first half of the Slipper trail before pushing the acceleration and coming home in 34.20 for the final 600m, easing up on the line.
“I did give it easy the first half of the race so that created a sprint home which is what I’ve got up my sleeve,” Collett said.
“I’ve got a very good turn of foot and was able to change legs and get over the rise. I thought ‘well, it’s only fitness that will get me late’.”
Paradoxium stamps his TAB Golden Slipper ticket with a cruisy win in the Todman Stakes! 💥@BBakerRacing pic.twitter.com/PbxaH5R3Os
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) March 7, 2026
Baker has a major appointment at Rosehill on March 21 with two colts in the biggest stallion-making race in the land.
He celebrated the day but was mindful of where he had been in the past couple of months.
“It’s amazing what a couple of winner does for you,” Baker said. “I had 15 runners today and only two winners, but they were two of the most important races.
“It has changed the way I’m looking at the year and could get better yet..”
Callabus looks to have a future in slot racing after leading all the way in the Newmarket from barrier one.
He is likely to follow the path of Overpass with a slot in the Quokka all but confirmed, and he will surely be in considering for The Everest later in the year.
Craig Newitt was nailed to rail in the Newmarket, on a day where being on pace at Felmington was a bonus.
“A couple of those jockeys didn’t do trigonometry at school. When you go down the straight, a straight line is the fastest way home, not going left and right,” Baker said
“He just keeps getting better and we are ready for the next challenge with him, everywhere that might be.”
