The in-form Reset gelding Mission Phoenix made every post a winner in Saturday’s Listed January Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill.
Bred by the Cathy Haines-run Burnewang North Pastoral, this is a pedigree over forty years in the making. Mission Phoenix is a third-generation descendant of the Seattle Slew mare Mysticaro (USA), a half-sister to David Hains’ 1991 English Two Thousand Guineas winner Mystiko.
Ridden by Tyler Schiller for Mark Newnham, Mission Phoenix held the fast-finishing Aleas (GB) (Archipenko) by a short-neck with a neck further back to Bonny Ezra (Road to Rock) in third.
It was the third win in five starts this preparation for Mission Phoenix, advancing his record to five two three from 14 starts with earnings of $325,455.
“He has been a model of consistency all preparation, and Tyler has a good association with him,” stable representative Aaron Lau said.
“He makes his own luck and is tough. He had to do a bit of work early. Tyler rated him perfectly, and it is a good win for the owners who had to wait a bit as he had a few injury issues early on, but they are reaping the rewards now.”
A $62,500 purchase for Randwick Bloodstock Agency Pty Ltd (FBAA) at the 2017 Inglis Great Southern Weanling Sale, Mission Phoenix was consigned by Millford Thoroughbreds to the 2018 Inglis Premier Yearling Sale, where he was hammered down to P L Bloodstock for $65,000.
He is the best of two winners from as many to race out of the Fastnet Rock mare Oh Susannah, a daughter of Listed Frank Underwood Cup winner Lake Susannah (Filante).
Oh Susannah has her first foal in four seasons in October, a colt by Inference. She was not covered last spring.
It’s fitting that the only stakes race run in Australia on Saturday should be won by a descendent of the late Sir Patrick Hogan’s breed shaper Sir Tristram.
Mission Phoenix is the 37th stakes-winner for the former Darley stallion Reset, an unbeaten son of Zabeel.
