An overseas sale that fell through and the breathtaking form of Australian Derby favourite It’s A Dundeel tempered the jubilation of Philippi’s connections following his Tulloch Stakes victory at Rosehill on Saturday.

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The Victorian colt was scratched from last weekend’s Rosehill Guineas because connections had all but brokered a deal to sell him.

But the sale fell through and in the meantime, the Murray Baker-trained It’s A Dundeel romped home with the Guineas to firmly establish himself as the horse to beat in next week’s Group One Australian Derby (2400m).

Philippi’s owner and breeder Rick Jamieson, best known as the man who bred champion Black Caviar, said the Tulloch Stakes (2000m) win had come on the back of a tumultuous week.

“It’s been a tough week and hard to understand,” Jamieson said.

Winning trainer Mick Kent was also careful not to get carried away.

He revealed connections had deliberately bypassed the Victoria Derby in the spring to concentrate on the autumn, but while happy to press on to the Derby he said the presence of It’s A Dundeel would make Philippi’s task tough.

“I was looking forward to getting him to the mile-and-a-half but it was a bit sobering to see that horse (It’s A Dundeel) win last week,” Kent said.

“But we won’t change our (Derby) plan.”

Jockey Luke Nolen brought up a double aboard Philippi after taking out the opening race on Lights Of Heaven and said the colt would have no trouble coping with the extra Derby trip.

Philippi ($6) steamed down the outside to beat Hippopus ($6.50) by three lengths with Sir Denzel ($51) another length away.