Bjorn Baker’s Magic Millions arsenal has grown again after Warwoven produced an eye-catching debut victory at Randwick, stamping himself as a serious Gold Coast contender.
The colt, sent out a $3.40 chance, was ridden patiently by Rachel King before letting down powerfully in the straight to score by 2-1/4 lengths over Norman’s Cay ($5.50), with Hardanger ($13) a short neck back in third.
Early favourite Shiki set the tempo but tired late, finishing fourth and beaten 2-3/4 lengths.
Baker admitted he had some concerns leading into the 1000-metre TAB Handicap (1000m), given Warwoven had only one trial under his belt and was stepping out at a distance shorter than ideal.
“I thought it was a big ask,” Baker said.
“He only had the one trial, so I was questioning that, whether he was quite fit enough and whether the 1000-metres was going to be too sharp for him. So absolutely thrilled.”
Baker already holds a strong hand in the Magic Millions Classic (1200m) with Paradoxium installed as the $3.50 favourite, while Warwoven now shares the second line of betting at $6 alongside The Debut winner Lumbini.
The prizemoney earned on Saturday is enough to secure Warwoven a spot in the Magic Millions Classic field, though Baker hasn’t ruled out another run beforehand.
“I know going to 1100 and 1200 in the Magic Millions he is going to be better suited, so very exciting,” he said.
King confirmed she has adjusted her overseas riding plans to stay aboard the colt through the Magic Millions period.
“He’s one of the main reasons why I’m not going back to Japan until after the Magic Millions and then I’ll be back a month before the Golden Slipper too,” King said.
“The first time I sat on him, it was like riding an old five-year-old gelding around the track.
“He has been a beautiful horse the whole way through, but he’s been quite immature mentally, a bit on the dopey side at times.
“He’s got the kindest attitude, but he’s got that feeling of class about him as well.”
Meanwhile, Tim Clark wasn’t too concerned about Shiki’s defeat, explaining the filly raced fresh following her October success in the Gimcrack Stakes (1000m).
“She was just a bit free through the middle stages, which she can be,” Clark said.
“She has got to harness that a little bit. With the run under her belt, hopefully that will settle her down.
“She will be alright. She will bounce back.”
Warwoven’s Magic Millions prospects can be assessed through the latest markets at Australia’s betting sites list.
