An $800,000 Magic Millions purchase from the Widden Stud draft for James Harron Bloodstock, Zoustar colt Philosopher made a winning debut at Caulfield on Saturday.
Trained by Anthony and Sam Freedman, Philosopher was well fancied and went to the post as favourite with Damien Oliver in the saddle.
He showed abundant natural pace to lead easily and kept up a good gallop to the line with enough left to hold off a late charge from the Godolphin entry Jewellery, a daughter of champion sire Lonhro.
“He's a very fast colt, he's been very professional in everything he's done,” said Sam Freedman.
“That said, in his trials, he pricks his ears when he gets to the front and has a look around. He's not screwed down by any means, it's a long series to get to the Blue Diamond (Stakes), but that would be the goal and he'll certainly appreciate the experience.”
Bred by Widden Stud, Philosopher runs for a big syndicate of James Harron Bloodstock clients with Widden also retaining an interest in the talented colt.
He is the first foal from Lone, an unraced half-sister by Sepoy to stakes-winners Gai’s Choice, Atmospherical and Peron from the family of Group I winning sprinter Eagle Falls.
Lone has no yearling for the sales this year, but did produce a colt foal by Trapeze Artist last year and was then covered again by Zoustar.
Philosopher was the second highest priced yearling by Zoustar sold at Magic Millions last year with the only yearling to make more being $1million colt Brereton, who was also sold by Widden and won the Group III VRC Maribyrnong Plate in the spring.
