Fillydelphia is in peak form and fitness for Saturday’s Tattersall’s Recognition Stakes at Doomben but six months ago it was a different story.
The mare was having a simple pick of grass when a blade pierced her right eyelid which caused an ulcer and forced Heathcote to abandon winter carnival plans.
“The minor wound turned nasty and she was in the veterinary clinic for a good two months,” Heathcote said.
Retirement was considered for Fillydelphia but Heathcote wanted to give her one last opportunity on the track.
The signs weren’t encouraging when Fillydelphia resumed in the Sheraco Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill on September 14 and beat only two rivals home finishing 11th to Driefontein.
Stablemate Fire Up Fifi fared even worse in the same race, running 12th, but won the Group Two Blazer Stakes at Flemington at her next start which convinced Heathcote to persevere with Fillydelphia.
“We needed to see her come back and it was a big relief to see her perform so well when she won at Eagle Farm last start,” he said.
“That convinced us to push on through this final season and she can go to stud next year.
“She’s a valuable broodmare being a multiple stakes winner.”
Fillydelphia was ridden to victory at Eagle Farm on November 16 by in-form apprentice Aidan Holt but senior rider Michael Cahill will ride the mare in the Recognition because it’s a non-claiming race.
The six-year-old only needs to finish in the first five placings to send her prize money beyond the $500,000 barrier.
“She’s drawn barrier one and even though she goes up to 58 kilos she’s been a good weight carrier throughout her career,” Heathcote said.
“Last year she ran an unlucky second in the Bernborough Handicap with 59 kilos and while this is a good field it’s not Bernborough quality.”
The Bernborough is again on the agenda for Fillydelphia although the race will be run for the first time at Toowoomba on New Year’s Eve when Clifford Park resumes racing after a course-proper renovation.
