A luckless fourth at his most recent start in the Group 1 Goodwood (1200m) at Morphettville on May 16, the David Jolly-trained Behemoth emerged from his three-month hibernation with a dominant win in Saturday’s Group III Spring Stakes (1200m) at Morphettville.
An ecstatic Jolly said the 5yo son of All Too Hard may have a earned a trip to Melbourne for a start in the Memsie Stakes after he easily held the challenge of Dalasan (Dalakhani) by one and three-quarter lengths with Kemalpasa (Magnus) a further one and a half lengths back in third.
“He’s come up really well and has had a faultless prep,” Jolly said.
“Todd (Pannell) gave him the perfect ride. He lobbed in to a great spot. I just think the horse is better this time around, he is more mature.
“We will be heading to the mile races, the Toorak, the Cantala, those sought of races.
“We have put in a cheeky nom for the Cox (Plate) but at this stage we are looking at the mile races.
“He will run next in either the Penny Edition of the Memsie Stakes. We will nominate for both as they are on the same day. But on the strength of today we will have a closer look at the Memsie.”
A bargain basement $6,000 purchase by Grand Syndicates out of the Riversdale draft at the 2017 Magic Millions National Yearling Sale, Behemoth advances his record to 4 wins and 5 seconds from 15 starts with earnings of $816,490.
Bred by Wallings Bloodstock, Behemoth is the fourth foal and second winner of the stakes-winning Zedrich mare Penny Banger a half-sister to the Listed stakes-winner and Group 1 WATC Derby third Master Minx (Surtee).
The final foal of Penny Banger is a Scissor Kick filly who was knocked down to Dalziel Bloodstock / Peter Moody Racing / Mitch Freedman Racing for $85,000 at the 2019 Inglis Melbourne Premier Yearling Sale.
Named Danny's Sparkle she was second at her career debut at Echuca on July 26.
Behemoth is one of 16 stakes-winners for Vinery Stud’s All Too Hard who had a second winner at Morphettville when the Tony and Calvin McEvoy-trained gelding toughed out a narrow win in a benchmark 72 over 1600 metres.
