Queman Roars Back to Peak Performance with Dominant Behemoth Triumph…Read More…
In a performance that left racegoers buzzing and punters scrambling to check their tickets, Queman announced his return to top form in emphatic style, storming to victory in the prestigious Behemoth Stakes on Saturday afternoon. The atmosphere at Morphettville was electric as the six-year-old gelding, who had faced questions over his recent consistency, silenced doubters with a performance as dominant as it was decisive.
From the moment the barriers flew open, there was a different energy about Queman. His gate speed, once one of his most feared weapons, was sharp and commanding, allowing him to settle in a perfect stalking position behind the early leaders. Trainer Shane Oxlade had hinted in the lead-up that his star sprinter was “right where we want him,” and those words proved prophetic. Jockey Jake Toeroek, who knows the gelding better than most, executed the game plan to perfection, resisting the urge to push early and instead allowing Queman to find his rhythm.
The Behemoth Stakes is no ordinary race—it carries the prestige of being one of South Australia’s premier sprints, drawing a competitive field of some of the most talented short-course specialists in the country. On paper, Queman faced stiff opposition, with several rivals boasting recent wins and rising reputations. But when the home straight opened up, it became clear that the result would be a one-horse show.
Toeroek made his move at the 300-metre mark, guiding Queman into clear air on the outside. What followed was a devastating display of acceleration. Within seconds, the gelding had put daylight between himself and his rivals, his powerful strides eating up the turf as the Morphettville crowd roared. Crossing the line a comfortable two lengths ahead, Queman didn’t just win—he made a statement.
The final time was sharp, but it was the manner of the victory that truly turned heads. It was the sort of performance that reminded everyone why Queman was once considered among the most feared sprinters in the southern states. The gelding’s trademark turn of foot was back, and with it came a wave of optimism from his connections.
“It’s been a while since we’ve seen him put them away like that,” a beaming Oxlade told reporters after the race. “We knew he still had it in him, but the last couple of preps have been a bit up and down. Today, everything clicked—he jumped well, travelled sweetly, and when Jake asked for the effort, he responded like the Queman we know and love.”
For Toeroek, it was a ride to savour. “He’s always been a special horse to me,” the jockey said. “We’ve had some big days together, but to see him back in that sort of form… it’s pretty special. He was just cruising today. When I asked him, he found another gear—it was like the old days.”
The victory is likely to open doors for Queman’s spring campaign. While Oxlade stopped short of committing to any specific targets, the whispers around the mounting yard suggest that a tilt at Group-level competition is firmly on the table. The gelding’s owners, long-time supporters of the stable, were seen in animated discussion with the trainer after the win, hinting that the celebrations might also be accompanied by some ambitious planning.
The Behemoth Stakes has a proud history of producing future stars and rejuvenating careers, and Queman’s resurgence fits neatly into that tradition. Named after one of South Australia’s most popular gallopers, the race has become a key form guide heading into the busier spring months. For Queman, it may well serve as the springboard to one of the most memorable campaigns of his career.
Beyond the tactics and timing, there was also a palpable emotional weight to the victory. Queman’s journey over the past year has been marked by flashes of brilliance interrupted by frustrating setbacks—minor injuries, unfavourable track conditions, and a few runs where luck simply wasn’t on his side. Saturday’s triumph wasn’t just about winning a race; it was about redemption and proving that the fire still burns brightly in the chest of the seasoned sprinter.
Punters, too, shared in the excitement. While Queman started as one of the favourites, his emphatic win still drew cheers from those who backed him with confidence. For many in the crowd, the performance served as a reminder of racing’s unpredictable beauty—the way a horse, seemingly past its prime, can find new life and rewrite its story in a matter of minutes.
As the sun dipped lower over Morphettville and the celebrations rolled on, the question on everyone’s mind was simple: What’s next for Queman? With his form restored, fitness peaking, and confidence surging, the gelding now looms as a genuine threat in whatever assignment he takes on next. Whether that’s in South Australia, interstate, or even on the national stage, one thing is clear—Queman is back, and the rest of the sprinting world has been put on notice.
In the end, the Behemoth Stakes of 2025 will be remembered not just for its result, but for the way it reignited the career of a horse who has long held the admiration of racing fans. For Queman, the roar of the crowd on Saturday wasn’t just applause—it was a welcome home.
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