After a stint on the sidelines with injury, jockey Michael Dee has made a return to the winner’s circle at Sandown.
Dee partnered with the Enver Jusufovic-trained Philosopher to claim the Listed W J Adams Stakes (1000m) on Saturday.
A fall at the Flemington jump-outs in November left Dee with separation to an AC joint in a shoulder, concussion, a lung injury and problems with a vertebra.
Dee returned to the saddle at Pakenham on Thursday night, had a further three rides at Moonee Valley on Friday night before landing victory on Philosopher at his second ride for the day at Sandown.
Appreciating the wide-open spaces at Sandown, Philospher ($10) scored by 2-¼ lengths from Midwest ($12) with Perilous Fighter ($18) a further 1-¼ lengths away third.
“I’m getting there,” Dee said.
“My fitness isn’t 100 per cent at the moment but it will only take a few more days and a few more winners, and we’ll be rarin’ to go.”
Dee said the plan was to take a sit aboard Philosopher and trail the speedy Midwest.
“He was helped by a good tempo, and he was very dominant in the end,” Dee said.
“I thought he could put in a performance like that because he had been ultra consistent, and he certainly deserves that win.”
With Jusufovic in New Zealand for the Karaka Yearling Sales, stable representative Brian Sockalingum said Philosopher appreciated the wide-open spaces at Sandown.
It was his first start at the course and gave the gelding his sixth win from 20 starts, taking his prize money to almost $460,000.
“He’s always shown a lot of ability, but he’s been carrying big weights this campaign, but finally got in with a manageable weight,” Sockalingum said.
“It was his first time to Sandown and that suited him to a tee. He needs space, he doesn’t like to be boxed in and that way he can go when he wants to go.
“I think today he had that rhythm and was able to chase.”
