Pericles has paved the way for a high-stakes meeting with fellow Godolphin galloper Tom Kitten in next month’s $2 million Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) after a dominant first-up victory in the 2026 Futurity Stakes at Caulfield.

2026 Futurity Stakes winner Pericles celebrated his first Group 1 success on Saturday. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos.

The Bjorn Baker-trained six-year-old, a model of consistency by Street Boss, pushed his career earnings toward the $7 million mark while finally securing an elusive elite-level trophy in the $750,000 feature.

Returning for the first time since his game second in the Champions Mile during the spring, Pericles signaled a massive autumn ahead.

Under a masterclass steer from Craig Williams, the gelding chased down the heavily supported $1.90 favourite Treasurethe Moment to claim his first Group 1 win at start number 16.

“Amazingly satisfying,” Godolphin representative Andy Makiv told Racing.com.

“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 and he’s just been a great horse, near on $7 million prize money, so fabulous.”

Williams opted for a stalking role, settling Pericles in fifth as the mare Treasurethe Moment led the field around the final bend.

Waiting for the right moment to pounce, Williams launched his assault in the straight as the top elect began to peak on her run.

Pericles lifted strongly, mowing down the leader to score by three-quarters of a length.

The win marked Williams’ fourth Futurity success since 2017 and his third consecutive victory in the race following his back-to-back triumphs on Mr Brightside.

“It looks like he’s gone to another level,” Williams said of the winner.

“To win a Group 1, well done to all the team behind them and their patience. It was good (the ride).

“I got to go up and sit on him in a couple of jump outs up there. But he’s very much a pleasure to ride.

“He’s got me sitting on his back so obviously they all shine with that comparison, but he just oozes class, by his looks and the breeding of him.

“They’ve been doing this for a long time, they’re very successful at it. It’s great to win in the Royal Blue Colours of Sheikh Mohammed.”

The ever-reliable Buckaroo produced an eye-catching return for Chris Waller to grab second, while Treasurethe Moment fought on to round out the trifecta.

“Buckaroo went fantastic, similar to last preparation. There’s no reason why he can’t be back as good as ever this campaign,” noted second-placed jockey Jye McNeil.

Godolphin is now preparing for a clash of the titans at Flemington on March 7, where Pericles will meet the defending champion, Tom Kitten.

“I suspect they’ll be running in the same race at Flemington, so they’ll both get their chance,” Makiv added regarding the upcoming stable battle.

“May the best horse win or hopefully one of them wins—so obviously it’ll be a tough race and great to see this horse join the Group 1 company and he can go to that race and take on Tom Kitten, it’ll be great.”

Following the win, Ladbrokes saw Pericles’ odds for the All-Star Mile plummet from $15 into $4, moving him into co-favouritism with Treasurethe Moment, just ahead of Tom Kitten at $5.

2026 Futurity Stakes Results

Table Credit: Racing Australia. 

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