Magic problem for Slipper hopeful

Bjorn Baker is already thinking well into 2026 with Magic Millions favourite Paradoxium and it’s why he is in the Bruce McLachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm on Saturday.

The impressive winner of the Wyong Magic Millions is a $3.50 top pick for the Magic Millions Classic on January 18, ahead of stablemate Warwoven at $4.50, but Baker is thinking of another two-year-old major with him.

“He is there to get prizemoney to make sure he gets into the Golden Slipper,” Baker said of Saturday.

“He doesn’t have any money for the Slipper yet, and I think that’s where he’s going to end up.”

“If he can win on the weekend it will probably be enough to get a Slipper run and it will good to get some black type for him as well.”

Any prizemoney from Magic Millions races doesn’t count toward the Golden Slipper qualification because the races are restricted.

They are important for Baker given the big money on offer and what they can mean for a colt’s future at stud.

“He is well bred, so to keep winning is important,” Baker said. “He continues to make the right progression, and I think you will see that on the weekend.”

“We are lucky to have a couple of good chances for Magic Millions, but you just want it to keep running smoothly for the next couple of weeks.”

While, Paradoxium heads north, Masvingo will complete her Magic Millions preparation at Randwick after running third in the Wyong Magic Millions.

“She has been very good all the way through and we are keeping her in Sydney to get a bit more money, but she is a live hope in the Magic Millions,” Baker said.

“You would be happy to have her in it any year, but we are lucky to have a couple more hopes this year.”

Warwoven, an impressive debut last Saturday, will have a run in Brisbane on January 3 as a final lead-up to the Gold Coast.

“He has come through Saturday really well and I think will take benefit from it,” Baker said. “He will get the chance to have another run, which will have him at his peak for the Magics.”