Behemoth has swept all before him in Melbourne and now there’s talk of a trip to Sydney for an ultimate pay-day in the $15 million The Everest next month.
The 600kg son of All Too Hard completed a Group 1 Caulfield double with a devastating victory in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes (1400m) on Saturday. Shouldering a record-breaking 60kg, he was held up in the straight before delivering an awesome burst of acceleration to overwhelm Dollar For Dollar.
Standing 17 hands, he had all the favours winning the Memsie Stakes (1400m) last month but the second-leg wasn’t as straightforward for his owners. “He had the big weight and he didn’t get the best run but he still managed to win,” Grand Syndications manager Sam Lyons said. “In this sort of form, you would think he’s done enough for someone to call up and inquire about The Everest.”
Trainer David Jolly has several options but ruled out the Cox Plate believing the weight-for-age championship is a viable target next year. “He’s a dream come true and we will talk to Craig (Williams) about his immediate program. We could train him to go back in distance or step up.”
The Everest would mean a drop back to 1200m at Randwick on October 17. Stretching out to a Big Mile in Melbourne would include the Toorak Hcp (1600m) at Caulfield on October 10 and Cantala Stakes (1600m) at Flemington on October 31.
“He had a challenge carrying 60kg but he was the best horse in the race and made my job easy,” Williams said. “He got clear running and launched late. It was an excellent performance.”
October could become a career-defining month for All Too Hard and his stud career at Vinery. His Group 1 ground-breaker Alligator Blood is being set for the $7.5 million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Rosehill on October 31.
Alligator Blood was placed first-up at Doomben on September 12 and trainer David Vandyke was satisfied with the effort following a six-month spell. “He didn’t begin well and was further back than we expected. Ryan (Maloney) said it was a really good run. He settled and ran home some good sectionals.
“He’s tracking nicely for the Golden Eagle. It’s our Grand Final.”
Alligator Blood’s first start in Sydney is still being discussed between connections. He was slated to fill the TAB slot in The Everest but a subsequent switch saw Nature Strip named as its representative.
All Too Hard is a current Top 3 sire in Australia behind I Am Invincible and Snitzel. He stands at Vinery for a $27,500 (inc GST) fee payable on a live foal. For bookings or further information, please contact Adam White (0414 800 918) or Harry Roach (0401 970 006).
BEHEMOTH