Dual Group 1 winner Behemoth has secured a slot in next month’s $15 million The Everest.
The son of All Too Hard will run in The Star’s slot, after cementing himself as an elite galloper when carrying 60kg to win his second G1 in last weekend’s Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m).
Connections say it’s a fairytale opportunity for the $6000 purchase, who has gone from strength to strength this preparation with three-straight wins, including two at the elite level.
Following his latest G1 victory at Caulfield, the South Australian-trained gelding has already headed home to David Jolly’s yard with plans now being put in place to send the five-year-old to Sydney for the world’s richest turf race.
Speaking on behalf of Behemoth’s connections, Grand Syndicates’ Sam Lyons said it was a huge thrill to have him secure an Everest slot with the owners confident he deserves his spot and will run well when lining up against Australia’s best sprinters on October 17.
“It’s a dream come true for him to get an opportunity like this, but also really well deserved,” Lyons said.
“He put his hand up winning the two Group 1s and we’re really thankful to Star for partnering with the horse and happy that he’ll get his chance in The Everest.
“He’s always been underestimated, whether it’s people querying his ability or the weight he had to carry last start, now there’s the question mark if it’s too short for him.
“We’re not worried at all with the 1200m, it’s going to be a fast-run race, which bodes well for us and he’s won at the trip before and should have probably won a Goodwood, so we’re going into it thinking he’s in with a real crack at it.
“Now we just have to try and work out how to get him to Sydney and also to have someone up there to be able to be with him and represent connections for the race.”
“The Star is excited to partner with Grand Syndicates and the owners of Behemoth to run in this year’s Everest,” Star said in a statement.
“The world’s richest race on turf has made a stunning impact on the sport in Australia and internationally since its inception in 2017.
“As a foundation slot-holder, we’re looking forward to securing a breakthrough victory next month and Behemoth will be tough to beat after winning both the weight-for-age Memsie Stakes and the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes.
“We’re committed to supporting the racing industry and The Everest showcases the long-standing partnership between The Star, the ATC and Racing NSW.”
– Racing NSW
