In a stable full of stars and potential carnival aspirants, Badajoz is not at the top of the Godolphin tree but the talented sprinter holds his own with his consistency.
The five-year-old was backed from $5.50 to $3.70 to win the ATC Dooleys (1100m) at Rosehill on Saturday and came with a late flourish to beat Denmagic ($8) by a long head.
Godolphin representative and retired champion jockey Darren Beadman gave Tye Angland a specific instruction not to go too soon and the jockey carried it out perfectly.
"I was able to hold my position and I was conscious of not getting to the front too soon," Angland said.
Beadman said Badajoz could be up to a Listed race in the early spring.
"He is the sort of horse that you can't go too early on and Tye rode him perfectly," he said.
"He got him in a nice rhythm. I told him to let the first lot go and then make his run.
"He is a game little horse and has always shown ability so there could be a nice Listed race for him somewhere in the spring."
Group One placegetter Denmagic will now head to the Sheraco Stakes for fillies and mares.
"She will go back to her own sex," trainer David Pfieffer said.
"She is a bit frustrating because she looked like she was going to win but again found one better."
Denmagic was beaten just half a length when third behind I Am A Star and French Emotion in the Myer Classic last spring.
Caryl Williamson - (AAP)
