JJ Atkins a Possibility for The Phoenix Winner Sagaronne

Classy two-year-old Sagaronne has stamped her claims as a legitimate Group 1 J.J. Atkins (1600m) prospect at Doomben this afternoon; completing a perfectly-timed run to take out the card-opening Listed The Phoenix (1200m).

Sagaronne produced an impressive final straight sprint to win The Phoenix at Doomben this afternoon. Photo: Daniel Costello

Sagaronne produced an impressive final straight sprint to win The Phoenix at Doomben this afternoon. Photo: Daniel Costello

Jumping from the gates well, jockey Blake Shinn settled Sagaroone in prime position on the heels of early leaders Bring A Secret, Real Good, Handfast and Aussie Jack who flew the barriers and set a noticeably quick tempo towards the turn.

Settling into a good rhythm and receiving an ideal run in transit two wide with cover, Shinn kept the daughter of Real Saga steady and allowed her to slowly wind-up rounding onto the final straight.

Appearing to have a little too great a task ahead of her as Bring A Secret and Handfast kicked clear, Sagaronne producing an exceptional turn of foot over the final 300m; joining the classy Godolphin favourite at the fore of the pack with less than 100m to run and poking a head clear to secure a maiden black type win.

Debuting for seventh in a Gold Coast minor over 1200m in early January, Sagaronne booked her place in the 2015 The Phoenix field with an impressive first-up win in the Gold Coast Tradies Day Maiden (1200m) on May 9th.

Second-placed Handfast is one of many talented two-year-olds unearthed by Godolphin this year, and added a second minor to his three start record in running second this afternoon.

Having led from the gates until the final 100m, Bring A Secret has now posted one win and two minors from five career starts, and looks likely to return to the paddock.

Blake Shinn delivered a typically brilliant ride on the Tony Edmonds-trained filly for success in The Phoenix and will be hoping to produce a similarly successful day to that of the Cups Day at Doomben three weeks ago, in which he won five of eight races including two Group 1 feature events.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.