James McDonald, the consummate professional, holds significant goals for The Championships in 2026, yet he applied his renowned dedication to the midweek meeting, achieving a winning brace at Warwick Farm.

Teaming with Ciaron Maher, the leading hoop annexed the curtain-raiser on $1.90 market leader Seraphox, subsequently connecting with Chris Waller to land the Drinkwise Plate (1300m) via debut runner Mr Miller ($5.50).

Having trailed Paradoxium when unplaced in the Todman Stakes (1200m) first-up due to covering extra ground wide, Seraphox thrived in the lesser grade to claim his initial win.

“He’s a nice, progressive horse who will excel as he gets further,” McDonald said.

“He did everything beautifully today and he won accordingly.”

Amy Burke, the Maher stable’s Head of Racing, affirmed Seraphox’s ongoing promise.

“You’re putting your money where your mouth is first-up going into a stakes race like that,” Burke said.

“He was far from disgraced, and he really came on from that run as well.

“His whole demeanour, you could see in the yard beforehand he was completely on his toes the whole way around but never broke a sweat. He’s a very nice horse going forward.”

McDonald sealed back-to-back wins piloting Mr Miller to a three-quarter length margin over $2.70 elect Graffiti Tycoon.

Waller aide Darren Beadman revealed the horse had flashed talent domestically and in trials but needed settling lessons.

“He was very keen first trial and wanted to get on with the job. We just had to reprogram him a little bit, and that was the benefit of James having the ride on him in the trial, just to get him to switch off,” Beadman said.

McDonald prepares for Group 1 duties at Randwick this weekend in 2026, aboard Observer for the ATC Australian Derby (2400m), Joliestar in the TJ Smith Stakes (1200m), and Campione D’Italia in the Sires’ Produce Stakes for Waller.

Explore sports betting options for McDonald’s Championships mounts at trusted betting markets for the race.