A blistering display of speed and poise on Wednesday has set the stage for a potentially historic Magic Millions campaign, as crack colt Paradoxium surged to victory in the $200,000 Magic Millions Wyong 2YO Classic (RL, 1100m), giving trainer Bjorn Baker his third win in the race. Following the successful path carved out by Unencumbered and O’ Ole, Baker’s latest juvenile star delivered on debut expectations with Jason Collett aboard. Both of Baker’s previous winners at Wyong went on to claim the Magic Millions 2YO Classic at the Gold Coast, and the trainer is daring to dream that history might repeat. “It’s pretty special,” Baker said, beaming after the win. “He’s a well-bred colt and I know Jason was very excited to bring him here.” With the Wyong win booking Paradoxium’s place in the $3 million Magic Millions 2YO Classic on January 17, Baker is banking on a lucky third strike. “I’ve won this race twice before and they’ve gone on to win it – I’m hoping this guy is as good, if not better. It’s very, very exciting.” What impresses Baker most is not just the colt’s raw speed but his temperament. “As much as anything, he has got a great attitude to back it up. Until you put pressure on these athletes you don’t know exactly what you’ve got. I think he might be pretty special.” The son of a twice metro-winning mare by speed influence Better Than Ready, Paradoxium is the first named foal of Paredo, who placed in the Listed Mode Plate in Brisbane and is a half-sister to the dam of dual Magic Millions and 1 Galaxy winner Private Harry. Purchased for $400,000 from the Silverdale Farm draft at this year’s Gold Coast Yearling Sale, Paradoxium was secured by Baker in partnership with Clarke Bloodstock and Ridgmont. Baker credited his long-time friend and bloodstock agent James Clarke as instrumental in assembling what he believes is his strongest team of juveniles yet. “I said I was going to leave it to James this year – we’re buying good horses with good pedigrees.” The team will monitor the colt’s recovery before confirming a next step, though the Bruce McLachlan Stakes looms as the likely lead-in.
Paradoxium could provide Baker with a third MM 2YO Classic winner (pic: magicmillions.com.au)
Ready To Schipp Aims at First Black Type Win
Thursday, 11th December 2025
Currently in career best form, having finished second when resuming from a spell followed by three consecutive wins, the Toby Edmonds trained Ready Schipp (Better Than Ready-Schipper, by Elusive Quality) deserves her chance at black type level when she lines up in Saturday's Listed Just Now Handicap (1300m) at Eagle Farm. Although she has drawn wide in barrier 13, the 4YO mare does drop considerably in weight to 54kg, having carried 57kg last start and 60kg the start prior. Racing in the silks of Tricolours Syndications, Ready Schipp was secured for just $90,000 from the Daandine Stud draft at the Magic Millions yearling sale and with over $300,000 in earnings already, the mare is a valuable commodity. While considered an outsider in the betting, John O'Shea and Tom Charlton's Countyourblessings (I Am Invincible-Bidii Babe, by Not A Single Doubt) comes into the race fresh and having won twice from five first-up attempts in the past, the mare should not be discounted. A graduate of Yarraman Park Stud's Magic Millions yearling sale draft when knocked down to O'Shea for $250,000, it would not surprise to see the mare has been sent north to be aimed towards the lucrative Fillies and Mares race at the Magic Millions carnival. Rising 3.5kg from her last start Listed victory, Annabel and Rob Archibald's Midnight In Tokyo (Kobayashi-Orabelle, by Casino Prince) has had four starts at the distance of Saturday's race where she has recorded a first, second and third placed effort so is worth a chance of going back to back at black type level if she runs out the trip.
Golden Boom Targets Consecutive Bribie Wins
Thursday, 11th December 2025
Defeating his stablemate Zarastro (I Am Invincible) last year in the Listed Bribie Handicap (see below), to give Champion Queensland trainer Tony Gollan three wins on the trot in the race, 6YO gelding Golden Boom (Spirit of Boom-Golden Falls, by Encosta de Lago) is chasing back-to-back wins in the 1000m sprint, and if successful, will give Gollan four wins in a row. Having raced in Melbourne during the early part of the Spring with his highlight performance coming in the Gr1 A J Moir Stakes when fourth, beaten just over a length by Baraqiel (Snitzel), Golden Boom was last seen when finishing a disappointing eighth of nine in the Gr2 Schillaci Stakes behind Giga Kick (Scissor Kick). Given a bit of a freshen up and back to his home state, as the gelding is a graduate of the Magic Millions yearling sale, so it would not surprise to see him aimed towards the lucrative sprint at the Gold Coast in January. With four wins and two placed efforts from seven first up runs, Matthew Smith's Way To The Stars (Reward for Effort-Writteninthestars, by Written Tycoon) appears a serious contender on Saturday. Having drawn barrier 12 with 59kgs on his back is no small feat, but he has matched it with some quality sprinters in the past and this race looks well within his grasp. Second in the $300,000 Gr3 The Warra (1000m) last start, the Joe Pride-trained The Black Cloud (Shamus Award-Containment, by Krupt) is a quality sprinter on her day and with the stable enjoying a great run at present, the Proven Thoroughbreds race mare can't be discounted.
Statuario Backs Up at Pakenham
Thursday, 11th December 2025
After finishing a fighting third last Saturday in the Listed Ballarat Cup (2000m) behind Berkeley Square (Territories), the Emma-Lee & David Browne trained Statuario (D'Argento-Miss Entice, by Dash for Cash) has accepted to back up this Saturday in the $200,000 Listed Pakenham Cup (2500m). Settling handy last time out and battling away well in the home straight, the grey gelding may find it slightly trickier this time around, having drawn wide in barrier 14, but with both emergencies drawn outside him, he should come in a little. Having only had one previous start over 2500m, Bowness Stud's $18,000 Inglis Gold yearling sale graduate was beaten three quarters of a length into second in last year's Gr1 South Australian Derby (2500m) and while he has been unable to win in seven subsequent starts, he's managed to record four top five efforts in black type races. In solid form without being able to crack it for a win of late, the C J Waller trained Etna Rosso (Decorated Knight-Kirouna, by Sea The Stars) has recorded four black type placed efforts from his last five starts. While yet to win over 2500m in the past, his effort for third in the Gr2 Sandown Classic (2400m) should see him ready to peak here if he can overcome his horror barrier draw of 18. With master taction Craig Williams in the saddle, the 6yo gelding should not be discounted in the large field.
Graffard Duo A Significant New HKIR Threat
Thursday, 11th December 2025
Few would dispute that 2025 has been a breakout year for France’s leading stables, but the numbers alone confirm Francis Graffard’s arrival in the highest echelon of global training ranks. Surpassing Andre Fabre’s long-held record of 13 Group 1 victories for a French trainer in a single calendar year, the 48-year-old has compiled a season of major international milestones heading into this weekend’s Longines Hong Kong International Races (HKIR). Among the highlights was a maiden Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe (2400m) win with Daryz, while Zarigana and Gezora claimed French Classic laurels. Yet it’s abroad where Graffard has elevated his status, Gezora delivering a first Breeders’ Cup triumph, and Calandagan notching elite success in the King George VI and Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2392m), Champion Stakes (1993m), and Japan Cup (2400m) – the first non-domestic win in that race since 2005. The Grand Prix de Saint-Cloud (2400m) also went Graffard’s way, as did multiple other black type features across the continent. This weekend, two of his most seasoned campaigners take their place at Sha Tin. Goliath lines up in the HK$26 million Longines Hong Kong Vase (2400m), returning for a second attempt at the circuit after a midfield finish in April’s QEII Cup. Quisisana, meanwhile, heads to the HK$40 million Longines Hong Kong Cup (2000m) for her first overseas test. “I’m very happy with them both; they worked well at Chantilly on Wednesday and they seem in top shape,” Graffard told racingnews.hkjc.com. Goliath’s 2024 campaign has been headlined by victories in the King George and Germany’s Grosser Preis von Baden (2400m), results that signalled a successful rebuilding phase. “Through the season, I tried to rebuild his confidence and his physical ability. He was really well for America and he travelled really well, so that was a good sign that a long journey isn’t a problem anymore,” Graffard said. Holding an international rating of 120, Goliath sits alongside Arc third Sosie and last year’s Vase winner Giavellotto – and only three points off Hong Kong star Los Angeles. “It’s a strong race but with quite an open feel to it. As we know with Goliath, everything needs to go his way for him to give his best.” Visually imposing during trackwork, Quisisana (see below) could quickly attract local attention. Christophe Soumillon reunites with the Le Havre mare, having steered her to a first Group 1 in Deauville’s Prix Jean Romanet (2000m), which granted her Arc qualification. Although that mile-and-a-half assignment stretched her stamina, Graffard remains bullish about her preferred distance: “She is a long-striding filly and I think a mile-and-a-quarter will be better for her, while I couldn’t be happier with her condition.” Despite this season’s accolades, Graffard has only once previously contested the HKIR – with Karar, who finished 13th in the 2017 Hong Kong Mile. He concedes that it’s a tough ask of his pair this late in the season, however believes it’s important to have a presence at the meeting.
Bjorn's Hero After Christmas Cheer in Cup
Thursday, 11th December 2025
Third last time out in the Listed ATC Cup (2000m), the Bjorn Baker-trained Hollywood Hero (Sacred Falls-Movie, by Savabeel) will step up to the 2400m for the first time when he lines up in Saturday's Listed Christmas Cup at Randwick. Although all of his five wins have come at 1600m or less, the way the 6YO Waikato Stud-bred gelding has been racing of late, it appears as if he will run the trip right out. From barrier 5 in the field of 12, jockey Ashley Morgan should be able to settle slightly handier than he has at his past few, which should aid in him running out the trip. Successful last time out in the Listed The Beauford (2300m) at Newcastle, the C J Waller trained Asterix (Tavistock-Mourasana, by Shirocco) has since been given an easy time in a barrier trial, while many of those that finished behind him have since started again. Third in the Beauford before sixth in the ATC Cup when dropping back in trip, the Ciaron Maher trained Future History (Showcasing-Likelihood, by Mizzen Mast) has won up to 2500m, and having drawn gate one, jockey Adam Hyeronimus should be able to get a lovely run up close, if not in the lead and prove hard to run down.
Ka Ying Still Rising to Further Sprint Honours
Thursday, 11th December 2025
A quiet gallop on Tuesday morning at Sha Tin offered another sign that Ka Ying Rising is on track for his next major assignment: the HK$28 million Gr1 Longines Hong Kong Sprint (1200m) this Sunday, reports racingnews.co.nz. The extended picket-fence Shamexpress gelding, already the winner of 15 straight, is closing in on Hong Kong immortality as he eyes a 16th consecutive win – just one shy of the great Silent Witness. Zac Purton, who has partnered Ka Ying Rising throughout his ascent, was back in the saddle for a routine leg stretch that began in the sand ring before easing onto the main dirt track. Under the eye of local and international press, the reigning Horse of the Year moved with familiar purpose and calm. “He was a lot more relaxed this morning,” said Purton. “He came out into the trotting ring and, for once in a long time, he actually did trot around there. Normally, you can’t get him to trot, he wants to hack around and play up a little bit, but he went around there nicely and did the same thing on the track.” The gelding had shown flashes of over-exuberance during his grass gallop the previous week, but Purton saw none of that here. “He’s chilled and he’s a different horse this week, which is good.” A 400m breeze in 23.2 seconds suggested he’s exactly where he needs to be ahead of the Group 1 feature. Already this season, Ka Ying Rising collected the full HK$5 million Hong Kong Speed Series bonus in a clean sweep of the triple crown of sprinting. For Purton, no stranger to elite horses, the association with Ka Ying Rising holds a special place. “I’ve been very lucky and to think that the best one of the lot has come along now. I certainly appreciate it, and he’s such a lovely horse to work with as well, which makes it even more enjoyable. You’ve got to pinch yourself, really.” He contrasted Ka Ying Rising’s temperament with former stable titan Beauty Generation, who was far less accommodating behind the scenes. “Beauty Generation was hard to handle. He knew he was big; he knew he was strong, and he was aggressive. He injured his mafoos, I think that tells you what type of horse he was, but he put that aggression into his racing.” By contrast, Ka Ying Rising has shown a capacity to settle despite occasional pre-race nerves. “He’s just a gem, this guy. It’s just another race and we’re trying to win it, whatever happens beyond that happens.” Drawn awkwardly in last year’s Sprint and again from gate 10 last start, Purton is hoping for better luck this time. “I’d like to draw lower than higher… he’s due to get a nice good one.”
Duckworth Revelling in Training Responsibility
Thursday, 11th December 2025
It wasn’t until he stepped away from horses altogether that Ben Duckworth came to realise where his true passion lay. According to Racing NSW’s December magazine, for a few years, the now 26-year-old traded bridles for building sites, focused on a future in construction rather than continuing the family legacy at Fairview Park Stud in the Hawkesbury. His mother Linda manages the property, while his father Ian is a respected equine vet, but Duckworth had initially pursued a different path. Despite growing up attending yearling sales and race meetings, the industry took a back seat during his school years. “I wasn’t that involved in the horse industry,” he admits. “I was focused on my rugby and whatever sport I could get myself involved in.” Still, that early exposure left a lasting impression. “As long as I can remember I was going to the races – that’s probably where I got the bug.” Competitive by nature, Duckworth eventually gravitated back towards racing during his time at UNSW, where he studied Construction Management and Property. Living near Randwick rekindled the connection. “I found myself looking out towards the racetrack,” he said. “I maintained my interest in the racing side more than the breeding or farming side.” His break came in 2019 with a job for Mark Newnham at Randwick. The stable gig fit neatly around his rugby commitments with Randwick Rugby Club and gave him the foothold he needed. When Covid hit, he returned home to Fairview Park before setting off on a year-long educational stint with the Mitchells at Yarraman Park. That overseas stint included learning stops in the UK, Ireland and France – a period that cemented his ambition to one day train in his own right. It was back at Fairview that he reached out to Michael Freedman, keen to start from the ground up. A stablehand position soon turned into a foreman’s role at Freedman’s Randwick base, where about 55 horses are in work. “I always knew I wanted to get back into racing,” he said. “Michael’s given me a great opportunity and been a great mentor. The team here is fantastic. Wajid Ali, the other foreman, is a great horseman and his attention to detail has really helped me.” Duckworth joined at the right time, with the stable enjoying a banner 12 months thanks to Golden Slipper winner Marhoona and Flight Stakes heroine Apocalyptic. “You pinch yourself that you get to work with that level of horse,” he said. While a future as a trainer is firmly in his sights, he knows there’s no rush. “I’m really enjoying the responsibility and learning more about programming. Every trainer has their own take and I feel like I’ve found my feet here with Michael.”
Harry Eustace Hoping to Land a Second Gr1
Thursday, 11th December 2025
Sha Tin will again host a familiar name on Sunday (14 December), as Harry Eustace, elder brother of Hong Kong-based David, returns for a second tilt at the LONGINES Hong Kong Mile with stable star Docklands. According to racenet.com.au, the five-year-old gelding, who handed Eustace a breakthrough Group 1 victory in this year's Queen Anne Stakes at Royal Ascot, looks to improve on a below-par effort in last year's edition of the 1600m Sha Tin feature. Docklands brings with him a solid international resume and a campaign that appears more tailored for this specific challenge. He was last seen flashing home for ninth in the G1 Mile Championship in Kyoto, a performance that left his trainer upbeat. "He ran his race," Eustace noted. "We were drawn 16 of 18, got too far back, but he came home well. When I looked at the result again, the winner won by a couple of lengths but we weren't far away from actually being involved with the rest. I think with a better draw, we'd have been among them. So, we're very happy and it was a brilliant experience." Eustace believes a more measured campaign has set the son of Massaat up for a stronger Hong Kong showing. Last year, Docklands was given a more experimental second-half schedule, targeting races like the Juddmonte International and even the Cox Plate in Melbourne, before stepping back to a mile for this event. "Last year was maybe a messy second half of the year for him because we were tilting towards the Cox Plate over 2040m," he said. "He ran well in the Queen Anne, then City Of Troy's Juddmonte International, then the Cox Plate, took on Via Sistina again in the Champion Stakes, then went back to a sharp mile in Hong Kong." This time around, Docklands has been kept to mile-focused targets, and his trainer feels the horse is a sharper, more seasoned performer. "I feel this year versus last year, he's obviously a better horse and more consistent and competitive at the top level," Eustace said. "I hope it's stood him in good stead for travelling again. If we could get an OK draw, I think he could show up a bit better than he did last year, that's for sure." Having arrived early and travelled well, Docklands has settled in quickly. "He took the travelling very well and looks very fresh and well," said Eustace. "He had his first day on the track last Wednesday (3 December)... he's fit and we're really just ticking him over."
Houston Can Land His First Stakes Win
Thursday, 11th December 2025
Apprentice Ryan Houston will continue his partnership with the progressive stayer Black Run in Saturday’s $300,000 Listed Pakenham Cup. The booking marks a return engagement for Houston, who guided the gelding to back-to-back Caulfield wins and remains aboard despite being unable to utilise his claim in the feature event. Annabel Archibald, who trains Black Run in partnership with her husband Rob, confirmed Houston would retain the ride for Saturday’s 2500m assignment. The young rider currently leads the Melbourne metropolitan apprentice premiership with 11 wins and has enjoyed notable success with the Archibald stable, delivering eight victories from 27 rides across Victoria this season. "He's flavour of the month with us at the moment, he's just riding really well," Annabel Archibald said. "He's very good on frontrunners and horses on the speed, he seems to have a good clock in his brain. He’s won two-from-two on him, so we’re not going to be taking him off." Saturday’s ride presents Houston with a chance to land a maiden Stakes victory. His three previous Listed outings include a run last weekend aboard the Archibald-trained Firm Agreement in the Ballarat Cup. "He's a good kid and I think he’s very talented," Archibald said. Black Run was on the second line of early all-in markets for the Pakenham Cup on Tuesday, having completed a hat-trick of wins since early October. The gelding began the streak with a Benchmark 78 over 2000m at Randwick before his successive Caulfield wins over 2400m in Benchmark 80 and 84 grade with Houston in the saddle. He carried 59kg and 58kg respectively in those two latest starts, but drops to 54kg stepping up to Listed grade. “He’s been very progressive,” Archibald said. “It’s his second prep here and they often take a preparation to acclimatise. His form in the UK was good and he looked like a promising stayer, so it’s nice to see that he’s been putting it together. He’s had three wins on the bounce now in Saturday metro grade. This will be another test but he will drop in weight and he certainly looks a really nice, progressive horse.” The gelding was purchased from a UK horses-in-training sale last October and has now won three of his eight Australian starts. Archibald said rain would only help his chances and confirmed Firm Agreement remains a possible second runner.
