Fernando Phil ready to challenge in Horsham Cup Final
Trainer Michelle Mallia, based in Avalon, is optimistic about her greyhound Fernando Phil's chances of clinching victory in the $83,000 Group 2 Horsham Cup (485m) set for Friday evening. Fernando Phil secured a spot in the lineup following the withdrawal of War Time Novelty.
Mallia received the news via text as she was on her way from an appointment. Expressing empathy for the withdrawn contender, Mallia remarked, “It's unfortunate for them, but I believe Fernando Phil now has an opportunity to make an impact in the competition.”
Despite finishing behind Explicit in a heat last week, Mallia believes that Fernando Phil faced some tough breaks.”He had a good start and encountered interference from another dog that blocked his path,” she explained.
Given that it was his first time racing at Horsham, he still clocked a time of 27.19 seconds. Mallia is confident that Fernando Phil can build on his performance and contend fiercely for victory.
Fernando Phil is currently listed at +700 in the fixed odds market, for the Horsham Cup with Australia's top bookmakers.
He will be up against competition from Explicit (+105), Nature Strip (+340), Tangela Bale (+360), and Verdi (+850). Bred by Mallia Fernando Phil, she has competed in 24 races, securing eight wins, six second-place finishes, and three third-place finishes.
2024 Horsham Cup Final Field And Odds
2024 Horsham Cup FinalBox Draw & Field |
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1 Nature Strip
T: David GeallF: 4432Career: 45: 14-9-8Prizemoney: $87,105
+340
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2 Funny Old Fellow
+2500
|
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3 Good Odds Cobber
T: Stephen BruceF: 4151Career: 22: 8-3-2Prizemoney: $23,040
+360
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4 Verdi
T: Jason ThompsonF: 2141Career: 16: 10-2-0Prizemoney: $31,680
+850
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5 Tangela Bale
T: Robert CamilleriF: 2711Career: 35: 15-7-5Prizemoney: $57,325
+300
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9 Fernando Phil
T: Michelle MalliaF: 3163Career: 24: 8-6-3Prizemoney: $75,120
+700
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7 Shima Shadow
T: Thomas DaillyF: 1132Career: 46: 19-4-9Prizemoney: $111,875
+1400
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8 Explicit
T: Jason ThompsonF: 1181Career: 15: 12-2-0Prizemoney: $200,390
+105
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His total prize money earnings amount to $75,120. Fernando Phil has made it to the finals of races such as the G1 Australian Cup, the G1 Silver Chief, the G3 Great Chase, and the Warrnambool Derby. Mallia stands out as the trainer represented in the Horsham Cup final coinciding with International Women's Day.
The most recent female trainer to triumph in the Horsham Cup was Andrea Dailly with Shima Shine in 2021. Should Fernando Phil emerge victorious in the Horsham Cup, it will be a big moment for Michelle Mallia.
The greyhound is named after her father-in-law Phil Magri, who was one of his part owners before passing when Fernando Phil was just a nine-month-old puppy.