Bjorn Baker has delivered Godolphin a landmark victory, with Pericles securing the stable’s first Group win since shifting to a public training model.
Making his debut for Baker, Pericles ($9.50) produced a sharp turn of foot to burst through the pack and claim the Group 2 Tramway Stakes (1400m) at Randwick by 1¼ lengths over favourite Private Eye ($2.10), with Withyourblessing ($19) third.
Baker said the moment ranked among the best of his career. “Huge to win for Godolphin… to win a race for a global superpower like Godolphin is a huge thrill for me, my family and my team.”
Pericles, who also won the Tramway two years ago, is being aimed towards the Epsom Handicap (1600m). Jockey Josh Parr praised the gelding’s strength, saying: “Being such a big horse, he was able to manoeuvre his way through quite comfortably and he showed a really good turn of foot.”
Earlier, Chris Waller’s Lindermann bounced back to win the Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m), confirming he is back on track after a disappointing first-up run.