After three consecutive seconds in the $200,000 Group II The Shorts (1100m) at Randwick, the stars aligned for Ball Of Muscle at Randwick on Saturday.
With the nominal favourite Redzel a race morning scratching, Ball Of Muscle was further aided when fellow speedball Invincible Star missed the start.
Given an uncontested lead, Ball Of Muscle held the challenge of Invincible Star by a half-head with Brave Smash (JPN) doing his best work at the finish, three-quarter of a length back in third. (photo Steve Hart)
Trainer Joe Pride believes the son of Dubawi (IRE) deserves a spot in the $13 million Everest.
"I'm very proud of this horse. He has come back as an eight-year-old and you would have to say he is in career best form," Pride said.
We had a bit of good fortune today, Redzel came out and the filly missed the start but you have Johnny-on-the-spot and that's where this bloke was today and was available to take advantage of the situation.
"We are certainly not ruling the Everest out. He is a live chance and there are horses that might not make it to the race.
"He's a very good horse at Randwick and there is still some improvement in him so we are looking forward to the next month."
With his fifth stakes win, Ball Of Muscle advances his record to 11 wins, 8 seconds and 6 thirds from 35 starts with earnings of $1,124,425.
He is one of four millionaires out of the blue hen Parefore. They include his full brother, the Group 1 Galaxy Stakes winner Tiger Tees and his half-brother the Group 1 Darley Classic winner Terravista who won The Shorts in 2014.
The other two are Singapore Horse Of The Year Super Easy and multiple Listed stakes-winner Our Lukas.
Purchased by Mike and Christine Ryan for $30,000 at a New Zealand broodmare sale, Parfore was honoured as the 2014-15 NZ Broodmare of the Year.
The daughter of Gold Brose died aged 18 at Segenhoe Stud in 2016.
