Bjorn Baker has delivered a milestone for the new-look Godolphin operation with Pericles providing the global powerhouse with its first Group win since moving to a public training model.
Making his debut for the stable, Pericles ($9.50) burst between runners in the straight to comfortably take out Saturday’s Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) by 1-1/4 lengths over veteran Private Eye ($2.10 fav), Withyourblessing ($19) another half-length away third.
Godolphin had previously employed a private trainer but decided to farm its string out to a number of them from this season and Baker described it as “one of the highs of his career” to provide their first stakes winner under the new system.
“Huge to win for Godolphin,” Baker said.
“I’m a bit of a racing purist and history buff…. to win a race for a global superpower like Godolphin is a huge thrill for me, my family and my team.
“We all know how important it is and how lucky we are. He’s a very good horse. Anybody could train him.”
Pericles won the Tramway Stakes two years ago and Baker had him ready to go first-up on Saturday with a view to heading towards the Epsom Handicap (1600m).
The race plan was executed perfectly by jockey Josh Parr, who found a trailing position behind the speed and found the gaps at the right time.
“I must say, I just needed that little bit of luck when we straightened that they split,” Parr said.
“Obviously being such a big horse, he was able to manoeuvre his way through quite comfortably and he showed a really good turn of foot.”
Earlier in the day, Chris Waller was thrilled to see Lindermann return to winning form in the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) following a couple of below par runs.
The gelding beat one rival home first-up on a heavy track in the Winx Stakes (1400m) but Waller said he couldn’t fault him at home and banked on him improving back on dry ground.
“He’s a stable favourite, he would be right up there in the top few, and you don’t want to see horses running down the track like he has been,” Waller said.
“Good track today and he will hold that form now.”
Lindermann could have his next start in the 7 Stakes (1600m) in two weeks where he would face another clash with star stablemate Via Sistina before coming back slightly in grade.
“There is the Craven Plate, the Hill Stakes, those second tier races worth Group One prizemoney,” he said.
Lindermann ($11) won by a head over a flying Sir Delius ($5.50) with Vauban ($15) also responsible for an eye-catching return another two lengths back in third.