Jamie Kah and James Cummings have combined with Pericles to take out the Group 2 Autumn Classic over 1800m at Sandown, defeating the fast finishing Mr Maestro and Ausbred Rising Sun by a good margin.
The Gai Waterhouse-trained Acosta led the field up with the equal second favourite Hennessy Lad sitting outside of it, setting up a solid tempo for the staying event.
With Pericles recording his second career win, it sees him return to the winners circle for the first time since his debut win back in September of last year.
The Street Boss gelding was well backed by punters, jumping as a $3.50 favourite with online betting sites, and saluting for his resilient followers in fine style.
2023 Autumn Classic Replay – Pericles
James Cummings head stable foreman in Victoria, Sean Koegh, spoke post-race about the impressive win of their three-year-old gelding.
“Well, as you mentioned, it was good to see it,” Keogh said.
“He only won a maiden over seven furlongs and there is plenty of promise with the horse starting in a VRC Derby at his fourth race start.
“We saw a tough run over seven (furlongs) first-up and James (Cummings) said that he was ready to step up straight to 1800m next start.
“He’s got the noms for all of those races.
“He’s in the (Randwick) Guineas, the Rosehill Guineas and the ATC Derby as well, but today was abit of a cross roads in timing, whether the horse would get there in time, if it was now or later on.”
Jamie Kah has picked up her first winner on Pericles, which could be a preview for what we see later, when she partners Barber in the Blue Diamond Stakes.
“He gave me a super feel,” Kah said.
”I worked him on Tuesday, and off his work I thought he couldn’t get beat.
“I thought he was more of a grinder, but today he had that turn of foot and was super on the line.
“I know the team were thinking of backing him up, and I wouldn’t be against that and dropping back in trip.
“The turn of foot he showed today was electric, so wherever he goes he will be very competitive.”
Pericles is now into $8 in the Rosehill Guineas futures market with online bookmakers, should Godolphin choose to go there on March 18.