Jason Collett would love to see history repeat at Wyong on Wednesday, though ideally with a different result down the track.
The leading New South Wales jockey reunites with Paradoxium in the $200,000 Wyong Magic Millions 2YO Classic (1100m), a race he won last year aboard O’ Ole. That filly later captured the Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast, although Tommy Berry rode her in the $3 million feature after Collett chose to stick with Icarian Dream.
Collett is enthused about reuniting with Paradoxium, having ridden him to a debut fourth in the Group 3 Breeders’ Plate (1000m) on October 4 when beaten just 1.55 lengths.
The son of Extreme Choice has since produced two impressive trial wins and Collett is hoping Wednesday’s run forces a decision about staying with the colt for the Gold Coast.
“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.”
Paradoxium, a $400,000 Gold Coast Yearling Sale purchase, is part of a field of eight for a race that regularly points to the Magic Millions finale.
Unencumbered and Capitalist both completed the Wyong–Gold Coast double, while Madeenaty, She’s All Class and Highness won at Wyong before placing on the Gold Coast. Farnan and Jonker also captured the Wyong Classic before going on to achieve Group 1 success.
Paradoxium is one of two Bjorn Baker-trained runners, joined by Masvingo, a Gimcrack Stakes placegetter by Zoustar to be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy.
Seeiaye and Mystical, who ran the quinella in the Max Lees Classic at Newcastle, are also engaged, along with four high-profile first starters.
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott will unveil Celtic Sky, while Anthony and Sam Freedman saddle up Belvante — both colts by Farnan who finished second and third behind Paradoxium in his November 21 trial.
Hawkes Racing will present the $400,000 Wootton Bassett colt Marwooba, while Ciaron Maher saddles Behindcloseddoors, a Home Affairs filly bought for $250,000.
The 2YO feature is joined on Wednesday’s card by the $150,000 Wyong 3&4YO Stakes (1200m), where Collett will ride O’ Ole.
No horse has won both Wyong Magic Millions features, but Collett is confident O’ Ole can rebound from her disappointing run in the Group 3 Red Roses Stakes (1100m) on Derby Day.
“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 jumps from barrier two, just to the outside of King Of Roseau, while former Magic Millions 2YO Classic placegetter Spywire (barrier four) is prominent in early markets.
Punters looking to bet on the Wyong Magic Millions meeting can compare the best odds at Australia’s leading betting sites.
