Jimmy The Bear fell narrowly short in his first attempt at 2400 metres, denied by a galloper with an enviable pedigree in Saturday’s $175,000 VOBIS Gold Stayers at Caulfield. The race was taken out by the John Moloney-trained Dictionary, who boasts close ties to two of Australia’s most celebrated mares.

Dictionary, a five-year-old son of All Too Hard, is out of Collins, making him a nephew to three-time Melbourne Cup heroine Makybe Diva. The Black Caviar connection also comes via All Too Hard, the half-brother of the legendary sprinter. “He’s got that Makybe Diva connection and he’s also got Black Caviar on the other side, through All Too Hard, so he’s got a double whammy of the best mares around,” Moloney said after the race.

Ridden patiently by Daniel Stackhouse, Dictionary ($14) produced a strong staying effort along the inside to overhaul the $1.40 favourite Jimmy The Bear in the closing stages, scoring by a half-head. Midnight Glow ($12) finished 2-3/4 lengths away in third place.

The victory marked some redemption for Dictionary, who finished third in last year’s edition of the VOBIS Gold Stayers, won by Ferago. Saturday’s success was the gelding’s sixth career win, with his prizemoney now standing at $312,530, including bonuses, from 37 starts.

Moloney admitted he had only modest expectations going into the race but was thrilled to see Dictionary’s stamina shine through. “Each time I’ve run him at a trip he’s been able to step up and do something, so he’s been good like that,” he said. “We were just hopeful but it’s just such good prizemoney, you’re running for great bucks, so you take a chance. Realistically, I didn’t think I could beat him (Jimmy The Bear), but he just got a beautiful run, he got the right sit and he was able to take him out at the finish.”

Dictionary, a $110,000 Magic Millions yearling, proved that patience with late-maturing stayers can pay off. Fans can follow his future runs and explore odds through trusted betting sites.