The Enver Jusufovic-trained Philosopher ($10.00) has come with a withering burst to claim the Listed W.J. Adams Stakes (1000m) at Sandown on Saturday afternoon, securing his first victory since February of 2024.
The son of Zoustar had been known for his jump-lead-win tactics in the past; however, it was a clever ride by Michael Dee aboard the five-year-old gelding, taking a sit behind a strong tempo throughout the 1000m journey.
Tyler Schiller aboard Midwest ($11.00) scorched the turf to take up the running, giving backers a bold sight at the each-way odds with horse racing bookmakers.
Fickle ($3.80) got on the leader’s back throughout but never seemed to travel with the strong tempo, while the heavily supported pair of Pondalowie ($2.80) and Mrs Chrissie ($3.60) never fired a shot from the back half of the field.
Midwest gave a strong kick at the top of the straight but was always going to have a tough time clinging onto victory, with Philosopher getting the upper hand in the final furlong to claim a dominant two-length win.
With Jusufovic in New Zealand for Karaka Millions, stable rep Brian Sochalingum was on course to break down the win.
“It’s amazing,” said Sochalingum.
“He’s always shown heaps of ability. I think he’s been carrying a lot of weight this prep and finally got a manageable weight, back to his 1000m distance, and first time at Sandown suited.
“He needs his space, he doesn’t like to be boxed in so he needs to go when he wants to go and get into a rhythm, so today, although he was following some horses, he got into that rhythm when he had something to chase.”
Michael Dee picked up his first stakes win since returning from injury and couldn’t have been happier with the performance.
“We were actually able to take a sit today,” said Dee.
“He was helped by a good tempo, and it was very dominant in the end.
“I thought he could put in a performance like that because he’s been ultra-consistent, and he certainly deserved that one.”
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