Topweight Strategic Phil, ridden a masterly race by Will Gordon, won the 2022 bet365 Hanging Rock Cup on Australia Day.
Trained at Mornington by breeder David Brideoake, Strategic Phil has now won seven races and over $320,000 in prizemoney.
From barrier one, the topweight was always travelling well after Tylden-trained galloper Abadeyaat set a fast pace in the 1800m feature event.
Strategic Phil loomed up on the home turn and ran on strongly to hold off Helmiton, with Pearlman coming from last to finish third.
“What a great thrill to win the Hanging Rock Cup,” was the comment by one of the owners at the after race trophy presentations, with Kyneton & Hanging Rock Racing Club president Greg Janky congratulating the jockey and trainer, and thanking all who attended the annual meeting for their support.
The highest rated galloper in the eight-horse field, Strategic Phil finished up starting as a $3.40 favourite.
