Behemoth again highlighted the contentious issue of x-rays at sales when winning Saturday’s Gr1 Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield.
The son of All Too Hard initially sold for $120,000 as a Inglis weanling and then made just $6000 at the Magic Millions National yearling sale where the decision of Grand Syndicates to buy the now 5yo is vindicated with earnings topping $1.32m.
In Saturday’s race Craig Williams settled Behemoth just behind the leading group to the home turn where he was able to come through between horses and accelerate into the lead, going on to score by 1-1/2 lengths.
Mr Quickie (Shamus Award) ran on strongly from a midfield position to take second place, ahead of three-year-old Glenfiddich (Fastnet Rock), who held off the fast finishing Cascadian (GB). (pic: Natasha Morello/Racing Pictures)
COVID-19 restrictions prevented the South Australian-based trainer David Jolly from being at Caulfield but he told Racingdotcom he was able to watch the race on his phone in his car at Morphettville races.
“That was just brilliant,” Jolly said. “When he landed in the right spot, I thought he’d be hard to beat. When we drew wide, some people thought that wasn’t a good thing, but I was happy. He was able to take a spot and stretch out.
“I said to Craig to use him from the gate, be a little aggressive. It worked out so well. I would have loved to have been there.
“We’ll bring him home and talk about where we go. He does have an entry for the Cox Plate but we’re not sure whether to take a handicap or weight-for-age path with him. I’m very mindful that he was more forward in his preparation than many of the others but it all worked out so well today.
“It’s been a long time since my last Group 1 win – The Goodwood – but I’ve had a few near misses in Adelaide and Melbourne.”
The win makes Behemoth the second Group 1 winner for the Vinery-based All Too Hard.