Philippi Could Be Derby Bound

Saturday, 15 September 2012 02:39

Philippi and Mick KentRick Jamieson, breeder of Black Caviar looks as if he has another good horse on his hands in the form of Philippi which won the Sportingbet Handicap at Moonee Valley this afternoon.

A winner at his only other start at Mornington on debut, Philippi made the jump to city class look easy. Dropped out near last early by Luke Nolen, Philippi sat off a fast pace set by Craig WIlliams on Adjuster.

Coming to the home turn, Nolen eased Philippi off heels and started to make ground quickly on the weakening leaders. At the post he won convincingly by three quarters of a length from Carringbush Jack ($15-$16-$15) with a further three quarters of a length to the favourite Forget ($2.40-$2.60-$2.20F).

Winning trainer Mick Kent is quietly contemplating a Derby start for Philippi if he continues to improve.

"He's probably better over 10 furlongs but I can see him going the Derby distance", Kent said.

Philippi"He's certainly got the temperament and he's a lovely relaxed horse."

"There's a 9 furlong Listed race at Flemington in three week's time which will tell us more."

The $120,000 UCI Stakes on the 6th of October is likely to be full of Group 1 AAMI Victoria Derby contenders trying out for the $1.5 million race on the 3rd of November.Nolen was happy to get on Philippi again after winning on him at his last start.

"I was pretty taken with him in his first run at Mornington and he's obviously made nice improvement", he said.

"He gave me the feeling that if it had been a mile and a half he would have been strong at the end of it."

Philippi is one of the first horses to race by Chilean import Host which stands at Swettenham Stud for the value fee of $7500. Completely free of Northern Dancer blood, Host provides a perfect outcross for many Australian mares. A good example is Jamieson's mare Soorena, a daughter of Encosta de Lago.

"Rick's a very good pedigree student", Kent said.

"He doesn't always go where its fashionable but where the mare is best suited."

Jamieson was obviously pleased with Philippi long before he raced as Soorena went back to Host last season.

Photos: Quentin Lang