The
name Phoenix Rising was carried by a very good filly in the eighties that won
the Group III QTC Queensland Guineas and it has cropped up again on a promising
filly that won at Geelong on Friday.
Last seen finishing fourth to I am a Star in the Group III SAJC National Stakes
back in May, three year-old Fastnet Rock filly Phoenix Rising opened her spring
campaign with an easy victory in the 1300 metre maiden as favourite.
Ridden back in the field from a wide gate, the Hayes/Dabernig trained filly flew
home to win by nearly two lengths in an eye-catching performance.
A $250,000 Magic Millions purchase for Wylie Dalziel / Moody Racing from the
Coolmore draft, Phoenix Rising is entered for the Group I MRC Thousand Guineas so
is obviously held in high regard.
Foaled and raised at Coolmore, she is the second foal of well-bred More Than
Ready (USA) mare More Valour, whose first foal is classy stakes-placed 5YO
Tashbeeh, who runs in the Group I MRC Memsie Stakes on Saturday.
A half-sister to Group winners Timbourina and Media as well as stakes-winner
Cardinal Virtue, More Valour is due to foal to Fastnet Rock again.