Futurity Stakes delivers Pericles breakthrough Group 1 success

The resilient gelding Pericles shed his Group 1 maiden status by grabbing a well-deserved top-level victory in the $750,000 Futurity Stakes on Saturday at Caulfield.

Six heartbreaking placings at the highest grade—including a runner-up effort in the Futurity Stakes two seasons prior—were put behind him as the Street Boss six-year-old saluted at his 32nd attempt.

James Cummings handed Pericles over to Bjorn Baker upon vacating his Godolphin leadership position last year, with Godolphin Australia general manager Andy Makiv hailing the gelding's Group 1 breakthrough as a heartfelt achievement.

"It's amazingly satisfying, he's been a fabulous horse, he's a home-bred off Northwood Park, the stud here in Victoria, by our fantastic stallion Street Boss, so for him to achieve Group 1 glory is wonderful for so many people," Makiv said.

"It's been a great journey and I'm really pleased for all the team and pleased for Bjorn. It's great."

In addition to his 2024 Futurity Stakes second, Pericles has run second in the Doncaster Mile, the Rosehill Guineas and last season's Champions Mile leading into Saturday.

He was also runner-up in the 2023 $10m Golden Eagle while holding Group 1 bronze medals from the Epsom Handicap and Underwood Stakes.

A tactical masterclass from Futurity Stakes maestro Craig Williams enabled Pericles to pocket the win, pushing his total prizemoney to nearly $7 million.

Williams was aggressive from the outset, grabbing cover as Evaporate and Treasurethe Moment duelled for the lead before powering home to take control approaching the final 50m.

The $5.50 prospect drew clear at the finish, winning by three-quarters of a length from $31 outsider Buckaroo, who got up on the rail to deny $1.90 favourite Treasurethe Moment—who had shot clear at 250m but faded—for the minor placing.

"Coming into the autumn when Mr Brightside was not going to be here, I said, 'I need a replacement'," Williams said.

"It's not easy to fill those shoes, so I got in touch with Bjorn Baker.

It looks like he's gone to another level in the spring. To win a Group 1, well done to all the team behind them and their patience."

Williams now has six Futurity Stakes wins to his credit, including three straight after previous successes with Mr Brightside, positioning him two victories from Roy Higgins' eight-race record.

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