Consistent galloper Philda is a confirmed runner in Saturday’s Winter Championship Final after trainer Mick Kent had a change of mind.
Kent didn’t run the six-year-old in any of the series heats but entered him as an afterthought for the final in which he will carry topweight of 59kg.
Despite Philda having disappointed at his only two previous starts at Flemington when fourth and fifth, Kent found the lure of $200,000 prizemoney and lack of the depth in the race irresistible.
“I had a good think about it and it is not the hardest Winter Championship we have seen,” Kent said.
Philda will be giving at least 2.5kg to every runner in the capacity field of 16 and four emergencies which Kent said was a concern but added barrier three would help offset that disadvantage.
“I know he is terribly weighted, going up in the ratings, but I certainly give him a chance,” Kent said.
Kent will also issue a change of riding tactics to jockey Brad Rawiller in the hope of turning around the galloper’s Flemington fortunes.
“I just wanted him to draw soft which he has and we will just ride him a little bit further back and a bit quieter,” Kent said.
“Every time at Flemington we have taken the race by the throat and exposed him early and they get him the last furlong (200m) so we will change the tactics slightly.
“He is a bit older and lost that little bit of dash but now he seems quite happy to settle off the speed so we will give him a fly at it.”
Philda has won 11 races and been placed another 13 times in his 36 starts and his earnings on Saturday, if successful, would take his prizemoney to more than $470,000.
On Wednesday TAB Sportsbet quoted the gelding on the third line of betting at $6.50 along with Rocky Times, By The Way and Good Value.
Mr Make Believe, who last Saturday beat Philda by nearly two lengths at Moonee Valley, is the $2.80 favourite ahead of last-start Provincial Plate winner Mr Griswold.
Top qualifiers for the series are Tough Future ($19) and Dr Nipandtuck ($13) who are eligible for a $50,000 bonus should they win the final.
However the barrier draw was unkind to both horses with Tough Future, to be ridden by Michael Walker, in barrier 16 and Dr Nipandtuck with Lisa Cropp on board alongside him in 17.
AAP TURF