Mile is within reach
Behemoth can best big names
TRAINER David Jolly is confident All-Star Mile contender Behemoth has the mettle to bridge the gap to star mares Probabeel and Arcadia Queen in the world’s richest mile at The Valley.
The dual Group 1-winning South Australian galloper had his colours lowered in the Futurity Stakes at Caulfield on Saturday when he was unable to hold out the fast-finishing Probabeel, Arcadia Queen and Mr Quickie.
“They’re great (Probabeel and mares Arcadia
Queen),” Jolly said. “No disgrace to be beaten by them.”
Probabeel and Arcadia Queen shortened into $4 equal favourites at TAB for the All-Star Mile, while Behemoth eased $6 to $8.
Mr Quickie firmed $17 to $15 after coming from near last to grab third in the Futurity.
“It wasn’t the ideal run I was looking for leading into the All-Star Mile but we’ve got three weeks to get him on song,” Jolly said. “Different track, different circumstances, we’ll be right.”
Champion jockey Damien Oliver, a replacement for Craig Williams (suspended), “forced the issue” from barrier two and had Behemoth revved up behind speedy Crosshaven and Streets Of Avalon.
“We were a little bit aggressive,” Jolly said. “I think he would’ve been better if he came back a bit and maybe the rail wasn’t the place to be. It is what it is, I’m not going to hang anyone for that, the way it worked out wasn’t ideal for him.
“It took the finish off him a bit … if he had drawn out we would have been a bit more conservative.”
The hard run could be good for the burly on-pacer, who returned to Jolly’s Goolwa stable on Sunday, where the preparations will ramp up towards the $5m All-Star Mile showdown on March 13.
“He’s probably got a bit to go fitness wise,” Jolly said.
“Basically raced a bit keen and he blew out.”