Magic Millions plans for pre-post favourite Paradoxium have been dealt a serious blow following his withdrawal from the BJ McLachlan Stakes at Eagle Farm.
The colt travelled to Brisbane from Sydney overnight on Tuesday and while trainer Bjorn Baker initially said he had arrived in good order, the horse was subsequently found to be unwell.
Baker has scratched him from Saturday’s Group 3 race, which was to have been Paradoxium’s final start before next month’s Magic Millions Classic (1200m) at the Gold Coast.
Bookmakers have eased the youngster in Magic Millions markets from $3.50 outright favouritism to $4 equal top pick with stablemate Warwoven.
Baker is expected to monitor Paradoxium over the coming days before deciding whether to press on to the $2 million showpiece on January 17.
He had also been at the top of betting for the B J McLachlan Stakes (1200m) with the Ciaron Maher-trained Tornado Valley the new $2.15 favourite.
Tornado Valley placed in the Debutant Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield in October before taking out the Maribyrnong Plate (1000m) at Flemington during the Melbourne spring carnival.
