Racing
Queman picks up on best form in Behemoth
Long break no hold for Group 1 winner in spring return.
It was nearly 70 weeks since Queman had raced but there was little to show that the Group 1 Oakleigh Plate winner of 2024 had lost his form with a return win in at black-type level at Morphettville.
Queman's last run was in April last year finishing unplaced in the Group 3 RN Irwin Stakes (1100m) but the tough efforts returned to outgun the Ciaron Maher-trained visitor Recommendation ($7) in the Group 3 Behemoth Stakes (1200m).
"I am pretty proud of the horse," co-trainer Shane Oxlade said of the galloper who provided himself daughter Cassie with a career highlight.
"At 1200 (metres) I was worried because he likes to get up and get going.
"He had four 1000-metre jump outs and trials but I thought he might get up and really truck along.
"I said to Connor (Murtagh) not to chase him up out the gates and just leave him alone.
"He looked vulnerable but gee he is a tough bugger."
Queman ($8.50) took out the Listed W.J Adams Stakes (1000m) at Caulfield before stepping up to the 1100-metres to score narrowly of the Oakleigh Plate.
Queman's record has reached 10 wins and seven placings in 24 starts.
$2.30 race favourite Is It Me loomed as a change on the home to finish fourth with the Group 1 Rubert Clarke Stakes (1400m) in trainer Daniel Bowman's sights.
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