Races

Pericles powers towards Group 1 title

As the Spring Carnival heats up, keep an eye on Pericles – the Godolphin galloper who stormed home to win the Group 2 Tramway Stakes at Randwick earlier this month. Now, all eyes turn to his next target: the Group 1 Epsom.

Pericles’ Tramway victory was more than just another win, marking a milestone for both horse and trainer. Making his debut for Bjorn Baker, Pericles delivered Godolphin its first stakes win under its new public training model, a significant moment in the global racing powerhouse’s evolution.

The six-year-old son of Street Boss settled beautifully under jockey Josh Parr, who found a gap at the top of the straight and let Pericles down powerfully. He surged past race favourite and Group 1 heavyweight Private Eye to win by 1.25 lengths, with With Your Blessing finishing third.

Pericles now heads into the $1.5 million Epsom Handicap at Randwick on Saturday October 4. Jumping from barrier 5 in a field of 14, he will have to carry 57kg – the second heaviest weight next to Ceolwulf (58kg). The race is a key mile contest of the Sydney Spring and has been won by champions like Winx, Happy Clapper, and Super Impose.

While the Epsom is the immediate goal, Pericles’ connections have hinted at broader ambitions this Spring. With over $5.6 million in career earnings and three Group 2 wins to his name, he’s a proven performer who could be aimed at further Group 1 targets depending on his Epsom performance.

His laid-back nature and tactical versatility make him a valuable asset in any major mile race, and fans will be watching closely to see if he can add that evasive Group 1 title to his resume.

Keep your eyes peeled this Saturday to see if Pericles’ run in the Epsom elevates him to the ranks of Australia’s elite milers!

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