Pericles is a Group 1 maiden no longer after the hardy gelding scored an overdue win at the highest level in Saturday’s $750,000 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield.
The anguish of six top-flight placings, including a Futurity Stakes second two years ago, was eased when the six-year-old son of Street Boss broke through at start No 32.
Bjorn Baker inherited responsibility for Pericles from James Cummings when he surrendered the Godolphin top job midway through last year and Godolphin Australia general manager Andy Makiv said it was a special feeling to see him land a Group 1 win.
“It’s amazingly satisfying, he’s been a fabulous horse, he’s a home-bred off Northwood Park, the stud here in Victoria, by our fantastic stallion Street Boss, so for him to achieve Group 1 glory is wonderful for so many people,” Makiv said.
“It’s been a great journey and I’m really pleased for all the team and pleased for Bjorn. It’s great.”
In addition to the 2024 Futurity Stakes, Pericles has finished second in the Doncaster Mile, the Rosehill Guineas and last year’s Champions Mile at his start prior to Saturday.
The gelding was also second in the $10m Golden Eagle in 2023 and has Group 1 third placings in the Epsom Handicap and Underwood Stakes to his name.
Pericles cashed in on a shrewd ride from Futurity Stakes specialist Craig Williams to land the win that took him to within a pocket full of change of $7 million in earnings.
Williams was positive early, took a sit when Evaporate and Treasurethe Moment paired off in front then came with a powerful finish to strike the front in the final 50m.
The $5.50 chance edged clear late to score by three-quarters-of-a-length from Buckaroo ($31), who charged through along the fence to nose out $1.90 favourite Treasurethe Moment, who led and kicked clear at the 250m before weakening late, for second.
“Coming into the autumn when Mr Brightside was not going to be here, I said, ‘I need a replacement’,” Williams said.
“It’s not easy to fill those shoes, so I got in touch with Bjorn Baker.
“It looks like he’s gone to another level in the spring. To win a Group 1, well done to all the team behind them and their patience.”
The win was Williams’ sixth in the Futurity Stakes, and third in a row following back-to-back wins on Mr Brightside, edging him to within two of Roy Higgins’ record eight wins in the race.
