Dictionary channels Diva to deny Jimmy in 2025 VOBIS Gold Stayers

The crowd favourite Jimmy The Bear was narrowly denied victory in Saturday’s $175,000 VOBIS Gold Stayers at Caulfield, going down to the well-bred Dictionary in a thrilling finish. The John Moloney-trained gelding produced a strong late surge to claim his first Saturday city success.

Dictionary’s pedigree is steeped in racing royalty. Out of Collins, a sister to Makybe Diva, and by All Too Hard – the half-brother of Black Caviar – he carries the bloodlines of two of Australia’s most iconic mares. “He’s got that Makybe Diva connection and he’s also got Black Caviar on the other side, through All Too Hard, so he’s got a double whammy of the best mares around,” Moloney said.

Ridden by Daniel Stackhouse, Dictionary ($14) hugged the rails and outstayed the heavily backed Jimmy The Bear ($1.40) to score by half a head. Midnight Glow ($12) finished third, nearly three lengths further back. The win was a fitting reward for the gelding, who had placed in last year’s running of the race.

Moloney was delighted with the result, especially given the gelding’s gradual development. “Each time I’ve run him at a trip he’s been able to step up and do something, so he’s been good like that,” he said. “We were just hopeful but it’s such good prizemoney, you’re running for great bucks, so you take a chance. He just got a beautiful run, the right sit, and was able to take him out at the finish.”

Dictionary, a $110,000 Magic Millions yearling, has now won six races and earned more than $312,000. Fans can check the latest odds for his upcoming runs at trusted betting sites.