Bjorn Baker’s decision to send Caballus north for a summer assignment paid off handsomely, with the Sydney sprinter producing a brilliant display to claim the Group 3 George Moore Stakes at Doomben.
Caballus surged away for a three-length win, rewarding punters who locked in $5.50 or better, as the strong Melbourne Cup Carnival form line again stood up in the 1200-metre December feature.
Under Tommy Berry, the gelding clocked 1:07.95—just outside Jonker’s 2020 track record.
“It didn’t work out exactly the way we envisaged,” stable representative Jim Clarke said.
“I think Tommy wanted to follow a couple (of runners) but he jumped well and found the lead fairly easily.
“He won at Flemington during the carnival and I think Bjorn has pretty big aspirations for him possibly in the autumn and back here in the winter.
“Maybe even a race like the Stradbroke would be ideal for him.”
Berry said Caballus left no choice but to take control early.
“Last place we expected to be was in the lead up you’ve got to ride the horse the way he jumps,” Tommy Berry said.
“He flew the gates and I thought there’d be a lot more speed in the race but I think the others were having a bit of a look at each other so I thought I might as well take it up.
“I was surprised during the week that he wasn’t favourite. He was the best horse in the race.”
Pereille ($9) and Cosmic Fire ($14) filled the placings behind the dominant winner.
Earlier in the day, Grafterburners ($1.65 fav) narrowly prevailed in the Pierata Plate (1200m), with trainer Kelly Schweida unsure whether the colt will head to the $3 million The Sunlight (1100m) or stay local for the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1350m).
Bettors can find updated markets for the summer features at Australia’s top betting sites.