Sydney trainer Bjorn Baker’s decision to send Caballus north for a Queensland summer campaign proved a masterstroke, with the talented sprinter producing a powerhouse performance to capture the Group 3 George Moore Stakes at Doomben. Arriving with strong Melbourne Cup Carnival form and plenty of stable confidence, the four-year-old confirmed his rising status with a commanding three-length victory that left both punters and connections delighted.

Caballus entered the race as one of the leading chances, and those who backed him at $5.50 or better were handsomely rewarded. From the moment the gates opened, the gelding travelled like the superior horse, handling the 1200-metre trip with authority and delivering a performance that stamped him as one of the most exciting prospects heading into the autumn and winter carnivals.

Ridden with trademark composure by Tommy Berry, Caballus stopped the clock at an impressive 1:07.95, just a fraction outside Jonker’s 2020 track record of 1:07.83. Given the ease with which he won—and the fact the tempo early on was not overly electric—the result underlined not only his natural speed but also his potential to rise to even greater heights.

Stable representative Jim Clarke admitted the race did not unfold exactly as the team had anticipated, but Caballus’ professionalism and tactical speed made the difference when it mattered.

“It didn’t work out exactly the way we envisaged,” Clarke said.

“I think Tommy wanted to follow a couple (of runners) but he jumped well and found the lead fairly easily.

“He won at Flemington during the carnival and I think Bjorn has pretty big aspirations for him possibly in the autumn and back here in the winter.

“Maybe even a race like the Stradbroke would be ideal for him.”

That reference—Queensland’s famed Stradbroke Handicap—speaks volumes about the regard in which the stable holds Caballus. The race is one of the nation’s premier sprint handicaps, and while many horses fail to progress to that level, Caballus’ recent form suggests he may be capable of taking the leap.

Berry echoed the sentiment that the race complexion changed quickly after the jump, prompting him to adjust tactics on the fly.

“Last place we expected to be was in the lead up you’ve got to ride the horse the way he jumps,” the jockey said.

“He flew the gates and I thought there’d be a lot more speed in the race but I think the others were having a bit of a look at each other so I thought I might as well take it up.

“I was surprised during the week that he wasn’t favourite. He was the best horse in the race.”

Berry’s confidence proved spot-on. Once Caballus rolled to the front, the race was effectively over a long way from home. He travelled strongly, quickened sharply, and never gave his rivals a chance. The margin—three clear lengths—was reflective of his dominance rather than any weakness in the opposition.

Behind the winner, Tony Gollan’s Pereille ($9) produced a determined run to grab second, while Cosmic Fire ($14), another performer with winter carnival credentials, boxed on gamely for third. Both were honest, but neither threatened Caballus, who was simply operating on a different level.

While Caballus stole the spotlight, the meeting also featured a gripping finish in the Pierata Plate (1200m) for three-year-olds. Unlike the more straightforward win of the George Moore Stakes, favourite Grafterburners ($1.65) had to dig deep, scraping home in a tight photo to maintain his strong recent form. His effort demonstrated resilience rather than dominance, but good horses often find a way to win even when conditions are not ideal.

Trainer Kelly Schweida now faces an important decision regarding the gelding’s immediate future. With the lucrative $3 million The Sunlight (1100m) slot race looming at the Gold Coast on January 10, and the Group 3 Vo Rogue Plate (1350m) set for December 27 at Eagle Farm, Grafterburners has multiple appealing pathways. Schweida remains open to both.

The split is significant: The Sunlight provides a rich sprint opportunity over short course, while the Vo Rogue Plate offers a step up in distance and a chance to solidify credentials heading towards the Magic Millions carnival. Grafterburners’ versatility will allow Schweida to make a decision based on how the horse progresses over the coming weeks, but his determination at Doomben suggests he will be competitive regardless of the option chosen.

Together, the performances of Caballus and Grafterburners underscored the depth of talent early in the Queensland summer racing season. With major races approaching, the stakes are rising, and trainers are beginning to position their horses for the lucrative weeks ahead.

For Caballus, the win may prove a launching pad toward an ambitious 2025 campaign. With the stable openly referencing the Stradbroke as a possible long-term target, the gelding has now placed himself firmly on the radar of racing fans and analysts. If his Doomben display is any indication, he is more than capable of delivering on that promise.

As the Queensland circuit heats up, punters will be watching closely to see how these emerging stars progress. Summer racing often uncovers the next big name—and Caballus may well be the standout story that continues to grow.