All Too Hard gave us an eye-catching maiden winner at Doomben on Wednesday with a big pedigree as this girl is a half-sister to triple Group I winning $4million earner Duais.
Trained by David Vandyke, three year-old filly Philia finished second at her only two previous starts last October, but punters thought she had come back better this time and with Cejay Graham in the saddle she went out a short priced favourite for the 1350m maiden.
Philia was strong all the way to the line shaking offer her only challenger to pull clear and win by nearly two lengths.
Philia was retained to race by her breeders and is the fifth winner from six foals to race from terrific producer Meerlust, who traces in tail female line to legendary matriarch Fanfreluche.
Duais is the best to date for Meerlust and after being acquired by Yulong was retired to stud last spring and covered by Pierata, while her next best is Group III winner Baccarat Baby, who is a three-quarter sister to Philia being by All Too Hard’s sire Casino Prince. Baccarat Baby made $900,000 at the Magic Millions National Broodmare Sale in 2022 when bought by Dermot Farrington Bloodstock for Gilgai Farm.
Meerlust has no yearling, but did produce a colt by Hellbent last spring and was then covered by Trapeze Artist.
