The strategic decision to campaign colts Warwoven and Paradoxium separately has yielded outstanding results for trainer Bjorn Baker, with both horses achieving decisive victories in their respective races, delivering a significant two-state stakes race double.
While Paradoxium was showcasing sustained speed to capture the Group 3 Poseidon Stakes (1100m) at Flemington, a couple of hours later, Warwoven demonstrated remarkable tenacity to overcome his rivals in the Group 2 Run To The Rose (1200m) at Rosehill, thereby strengthening his claims for the upcoming Golden Rose.
Following a wide draw in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m) where he finished fifth to the impressive Guest House, Warwoven benefited from a superior barrier on Saturday. Jockey Rachel King settled him prominently, and the three-year-old colt proved tenacious, refusing to yield once he gained the advantage.
“He’s such a good colt. He’s come back bigger and stronger,” stated Baker’s racing manager, Luke Hilton. “Bjorn gave him a really good base into that first-up run, but just the tricky gate, he gave him some time, let him find his feet early on and he really let go late. I said to him yesterday, ‘do you think we put him forward today?’ And he said, ‘yep, put him forward. He’s ready.’ It worked out well. Great ride Rach, and he’s a quality colt.”
Warwoven’s odds for the Golden Rose (1400m) subsequently plummeted from $11 to $6, with Hilton confirming the Group 1 feature as a primary objective.
A potential clash with Guest House, who previously defeated Warwoven in the San Domenico Stakes (1100m), looms. Hilton acknowledges the challenge posed by the favourite but stresses the pivotal role the barrier draw will play.
“It’s hard after seeing what he did a couple of weeks ago,” Hilton admitted regarding Guest House. “I think it will come down to gates. One thing we know about our horse is he’s bombproof. He can go forward, he can take a sit. He’s got a few things in his armour he can use. He’ll give him a good run for his money, and it’ll be a good race in a couple of weeks.”
In a determined performance, Warwoven ($8) dug deep in the final stages to hold off the previously unbeaten St Gotthard ($2.60 fav) by a neck. Under Focus ($6) secured third place, a further 1-1/4 lengths adrift, after a tardy start.
Rachel King highlighted the colt’s versatility as a key asset and anticipates further development following his Saturday effort.
“He leaves you a bit speechless. His acceleration today was unbelievable,” King commented. “He just shows his versatility. First-up we knew it wasn’t grand final day, and he was always going to improve with the run. Today, he was straight on the ‘bunny’, relaxed beautifully. He was so mature for a young, relatively inexperienced colt.”
Paradoxium is set to contest shorter sprints, with a likely return to Sydney for the Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) on October 10, followed by a campaign in Melbourne for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) at Flemington.
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