SET the leveller of 60kgs under the handicap conditions of the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes, Behemoth, with a frame to match his name, charged away to complete the Caulfield 1,400 metre Group 1 double, having won the Memsie Stakes over the same distance two weeks earlier.

The authority of the win has trainer David Jolly prepared to alter his plans. “Initially we were adamant we would stick to a Melbourne game plan and things have obviously worked out brilliantly with his wins in the Memsie and the Sir Rupert Clarke,” said Jolly.

“However The Everest (over six furlongs) is now becoming a big temptation if we are lucky enough to be offered a slot.

“Being four weeks from the Sir Rupert Clarke to The Everest certainly gives me a perfect opportunity to have him ready for Randwick on October 17th.”

A A$6,000 yearling ‘bargain basement buy’, Behemoth was ridden by Craig Williams who was stuck behind traffic and worse than midfield with the All Too Hard gelding. Shunting his way clear in the straight, Behemoth was an unstoppable force once clear, defeating the High Chaparral gelding Dollar For Dollar and the Brazen Beau mare Pretty Brazen.

“He’s a dream come true to think what he’s doing at the moment. It’s amazing,” said Jolly who is based in Adelaide. “I just wish I was there but it was great watching it on the couch with the family, too. It’s an amazing feeling winning these races with him now. He’s a fantastic horse.”

Three days later on Tuesday, The Star casino in Sydney completed a deal with Behemoth’s connections ensuring a slot for the David Jolly-trained horse.

“He put his hand up winning the two Group 1s and we’re really thankful to Star for partnering with the horse and happy that he’ll get his chance in The Everest,” said part-owner Sam Lyons.