Philippi Breeder's Faith Rewarded
- Saturday, 06 October 2012 03:20
Philippi Wins From HvasstanBreeder Rick Jamieson was so impressed with the Host foal from his mare Soorena that he showed him to Swettenham Stud principal Adam Sangster three times as a youngster.
"Rick always said he had tremendous presence and he brought me round to the farm three times to come and have a look at this colt", Sangster said.
Today at Flemington, the colt now named Philippi confirmed Jamieson's faith in him by cleverly winning the Listed UCI Stakes over 1800 metres, maintaining an unbeaten win record.
Ridden by Brad Rawiller, Philippi settled well back in the field and looked hemmed behind a wall of runners on the home turn.
But Rawiller weaved his way between runners looking for clear space and when an opening appeared towards the inside rail, Philippi ($4.40-$5.00) had the presence of mind to accelerate through the gap to get a length or so advantage.
From left Jimando, Hvasstan and PhilippiThe unlucky Hvasstan ($6.50-8.00-$7.50) came home strongly in the final stages but failed by three quarters of a length after missing the start.
His trainer Peter Gelagotis said that the starter pressed the button four times before the gates opened and Hvasstan over anticipated the start, going backwards when the barriers eventually opened.
Third was the consistent Jimando ($14-$13-$15) who just faded on his run after hitting the lead at the 200 metre mark.
"It was a good strong race", observed winning trainer Mick Kent.
"He was in an awkward spot on the home turn, but he's always been strong late and he was again today".
Kent pointed out that today was only Philippi's third race start and he wanted to see how he progresses before making the decision to continue to the $1.5 million AAMI Victoria Derby on the 3rd of November.
"Its his first prep and we're very mindful of that."
Philippi and Brad RawillerKent predicted that Philippi would progress to the Derby through the 2000 metre Norman Robinson Handicap at Caulfield in preference to the AAMI Vase at Moonee Valley.
"If he pulls up OK we'll go that way", he said.
Kent was enthusiastic about the prospects of Swettenham Stud stallion Host, currently leading second season sire.
"Isn't he going well the sire", Kent marvelled.
"We hope this horse goes on well for him and that's his first stakes winner."
"Bookings are going strongly after Philippi and Hosting won at Mornington and obviously they are going to improve again after his first stakes winner", Sangster observed.
Jamieson was not disclosing the secret to Philippi's breeding but did let slip that he liked the mare after racing her and liked Host as a stallion.
Long before Philippi set foot on a racetrack, Jamieson booked Soorena back into Host last year, the mating producing a full brother to Philippi just a month ago on the 4th of September.
Photos: Quentin Lang, Fiona Tomlin
