Philia has earned her shot at Group 1 glory after delivering a gritty win in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben, setting up a Queensland Oaks bid for local trainer David Vandyke.
The daughter of All Too Hard produced her fourth win from six starts on Saturday, controlling the race from the front under Kerrin McEvoy and holding off the fast-finishing Jenni’s Meadow ($31) by half a length, with Movin Out ($21) staying on for third.
Philia, backed into $3.70 second elect, was stepping up beyond 1600m for the first time. Vandyke acknowledged the distance was a query but had full faith in her tenacity.
“The 2000 was a question mark,” Vandyke said. “But Kerrin made it a staying test. He was taken on a few times, didn’t panic, and she kept finding. She had to sprint more than once and still had the strength to kick and win.”
With Saturday’s run under her belt, Vandyke confirmed the filly will now progress to the Queensland Oaks (2200m), a race he won in 2022 with Gypsy Goddess.
“She’s got that rare pattern where she can absorb pressure and still finish strong. She thrives on it,” he said. “That was off a month between runs, and now we’ve got two weeks—she’ll be ready.”
Philia is a half-sister to multiple Group 1 winner Duais, and Vandyke is confident her pedigree and toughness make her well-suited for the Oaks trip.
“It’s a top-class family. Duais won over 2400 and this filly is built the same way. I’ve had great success with All Too Hard progeny—she’s full of grit and wants to win.”
Philia has now firmed into a $3 favourite for the Queensland Oaks, while former top pick Benagil has drifted to $5 after finishing 10th in The Roses.
For up-to-date odds on the Queensland Oaks and more winter carnival action, visit Australia’s top betting sites.