Image: Bruno Canatelli
Bistro will be chasing one win after another when she lines up in Mooney Valley
Godolphin Philly Bistro has an exceptional first-up record, but has so far been unable to replicate it in its second round of preparation.
However, the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable is confident she can rebound against four opponents in Saturday’s Happy Birthday John Dixon Handicap (1000m) at Mooney Valley.
Bistro has raced seven times for three wins, winning twice on debut and finishing second once in his three debut appearances.
Her win in the Listed Cinderella Stakes (1050m) at Morphettville came after more than six weeks between runs, before she was again out-of-the-money in the Listed Dequetteville Stakes (1050m) at Adelaide four weeks later.
After a first-up second-last campaign behind Winnertexitol at Mooney Valley, Bistro finished last up the track in the Group 3 Cuzet Stakes (1100 metres) at Caulfield in August and was caught on the break, scoring at Sandown on 7 January. came back for
Sam Friedman is not concerned with Bistro’s lack of form second-up and believes the 1000m trip on Saturday is ideal for the filly.
“I think in the grade she struggled a bit in the 1100m second-up last time at Caulfield when she probably wasn’t quite ready for it,” Freedman said.
“But I think the 1000m at The Valley is probably better for him.
“She’s been holding her form since her first-up, it’s a small field, she’ll be on pace, and she should be at the end.”
Freedman said the stable had been patient with Bistro following his stakes win in Adelaide, but would eventually like to add more ‘black type’ to his record.
The Group 3 Kevin Hayes Stakes (1100 metres) at Sandown on 11 February has been listed as the filly’s possible assignment.
Friedman said, “We can go up to 1100m like that, third-up, he should be fit rock-hard.”
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