Talented I Am Invincible colt Caballus was a million dollar purchase as a yearling and did look the goods when winning a hot juvenile race in winter last year beating quality fillies Estriella and Shaken, but when tried in stakes company last spring he came up short and ended up on Inglis Digital where he was bought by Darby Bloodstock for $315,000.
Having his first start for new trainer Bjorn Baker carrying the Darby colours, Caballus performed as expected letting down with a strong burst to surge clear and win the Benchmark 72 event over 1100m by more than a length with Josh Parr in the saddle.
Caballus has two wins from six starts and $225,000 plus change in the bank and looks set to make swift progress through what’s left of summer.
Baker was relieved Caballus lived up to his potential with this first up win.
"It's always a bit nerve-wracking," Baker said.
"He has come with a bit of a profile, and I thought he was going pretty well.
"It was a good win and a nice ride by Josh.
"We are lucky to get such a ready-made horse. We will leave him at sprint (distances), there are plenty of options for a young horse like him."
Raced by Coolmore and partners initially, Caballus was a $1million Inglis Easter purchase for Tom Magnier from the Bhima Thoroughbreds draft and was broken in and educated at Coolmore. He is a full brother to ultra talented five year-old Barassi, who made a name for himself when blitzing his rivals to win the $250,000 Magic Millions maiden at the Gold Coast by four lengths in fast time.
Caballus and Barassi are among five winners from five foals to race from Group III placed Commands mare Calming Influence, a daughter of stakes-winner Calming.
Calming Influence is yet to produce a Black Type horse, but it’s not hard to envisage Barassi and or Caballus getting the job done at some point this year and she is now in foal to Ole Kirk.
