The world’s richest race on turf runs at Randwick tomorrow and All Too Hard will be represented by consistent son Behemoth.

Behemoth (5g Penny Banger) has firmed for the $14million The Everest (1200m) after drawing favourably in barrier 2 for Race 7 on the card. “It will be a high-pressure race and he will be very strong at the business end,” trainer David Jolly said. “We’ve got a low draw and the horse does his best when he gets cover.”
 
Behemoth runs in The Star Sydney’s slot following a Group 1 double in the Memsie Stakes and Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes at Caulfield. “It’s easily the biggest race I’ve ever been a part of from a financial perspective,” Jolly added. “I love training this horse and I’m blessed he’s raced by brilliant owners like Sam Lyons and Grand Syndicates.”

All Too Hard is currently sixth on the Australian sires’ table with earnings over $2.16million so far this season. He can leapfrog to the top of the ladder if Behemoth pockets first prize money of $6.2million and there’s the possibility of another big pay-day with Alligator Blood in the $7.5million Golden Eagle (1500m) at Randwick on October 31.

The entire Vinery team want to wish Behemoth, David, Sam and the Grand Syndicates crew, and jockey Nash Rawiller all the luck in the world tomorrow! We’ll be cheering.

Also drawing our attention to Randwick tomorrow will be the 2yo Star Turn/Dukemore colt in Race 1.

The Team Hawkes trainee has been named Montana Flash and will be debuting in the ACY Securities Victory Vein Plate over 1000m. He’ll jump from barrier 2 (as well), with Tommy Berry in the saddle wearing Rupert Legh’s famous colours.

Interestingly, Star Turn kicked off his race career under Tommy Berry in this same race back in 2015.

Montana Flash was the most expensive yearling by Star Turn sold in 2020 when he changed hands for $550,000 at the Magic Millions in January. Purchased by Hawkes Racing, he’s raced by a syndicate that includes Vinery Stud and Glenlogan Park.

Star Turn has already been represented by two first crop runners; the Gr.3 ATC Breeders’ Plate-placed Astrologer and the BRC 2yo Plate-second place getter Stellar Magic.

Promising fillies Hold The Press and Red Star opened up another off-shore front for Press Statement’s first crop in New Zealand this week.
 
Press Statement’s Hong Kong expats were in the news this week as they progress towards a ground-breaking griffin season in 2021. And his South African filly Kitty Cat Chat is being set for a Group 1 campaign after a space job on debut at Durbanville last month.
 
Hold The Press turned the spotlight across the Tasman with a dominant debut at Otaki yesterday. She jumped straight to the front and swished her tail to a three and a half length victory in the Aquashield Roofing Maiden (1100m).
 
“She’s pulled up well and we will wait until after the weekend before making any plans,” co-trainer Johno Benner said. “She’s a speedy filly – she’s got gears – and will improve again in the autumn.”
 
Hold The Press is owned by Aspen Bloodstock’s Graham Cossar and was initially with trainer Terry Rae at Riccarton before transferring north to Benner and his partner Hollie Wynyard at Otaki.
 
Her dam Asset Rain (Encosta De Lago) is a three-quarter sister to Emirates Stakes Gr.1 winner Titanic Jack and she foaled a Headwater filly at Baramul Stud last month.
 
Hold The Press saluted a day after Graeme Rogerson unveiled Red Star at Tauranga. She flashed home to be beaten less than a length over 1200m and ‘Rogie’ reported he was pleased with the way she powered into second spot after a slow getaway. Read more here.

This Saturday we’ll be watching these Aussie Press Statements:

Caulfield
12:50pm – Race 2 QMS Media P. 1400m.
Incredulous Dream (3f Press Statement – Incredulous) trained by Ciaron Maher & David Eustace.

2:00pm – Race 4 Caulfield Classic Gr.3. 2000m.
El Santo (3g Press Statement – Lucha Libre) trained by Dan O’Sullivan.

Randwick
2:15pm – Race 4 Reginald Allen H. L. 1400m.
Newsreader (3f Press Statement – Thinking of You) trained by John O’Shea.

Narromine
2:47pm – Race 4 Skypark Estate Maiden H. 1100m.
Sheez Marvellous (3f Press Statement – Marvellous That) trained by Tony Newing.

Gold Coast
2:55pm – Race 8 Attwood Marshall Lawyers H. 1200m.
He’s The News (3c Press Statement – Sally’s World) trained by Kelly Schweida.

Newcastle
4:34pm – Race 6 Sharp Electronics Group Maiden H. 1400m.
Bow Thruster (3c Press Statement – Nessie) trained by Anthony Cummings.
Media Man (3g Press Statement – Mary of Modena) trained by Mark Minervini.