Swettenham Stud stallion Host (Chi) sired his first stakes winner when Philippi surged to victory in the LR UCI Stakes (1800m) at Flemington on Saturday.

The Mick Kent trained colt is now on a mission to turn the Listed result into a Group 1 win back at headquarters on Victoria Derby day.

“Depending on how he pulls up, Philippi will run in the Norman Robinson at Caulfield before going into the Derby,” Kent predicted.  “That was a good, strong race and he had to get out of an awkward position on the corner.”

Philippi (3c Host – Soorena by Encosta De Lago) switched back to the fence in the straight and then powered home to defeat Hvasstan (Fastnet Rock) and Jimando (Commands).  “It’s still his first prep and he’s going a good job,” Kent added.  “The last bit was the best part going forward to the Derby.”

Philippi is raced by Black Caviar’s breeder Rick Jamieson and he has been a Host supporter from the outset.  Jamieson lives nearby in Nagambie and Swettenham owner Adam Sangster sold Black Caviar as agent for him at the 2008 Inglis Melbourne yearling sale.

“He feels like a real stayer,” winning jockey Brad Rawiller said.  “He switched off and was happy enough to take a run on the inside.  He really put them under pressure in the final 100 metres.”

Host is a Group 1 winning son of champion sire Hussonet and he has several other promising three year-olds in his first crop.  Hosting is another untapped talent.  He was a brilliant winner at Mornington on debut and is a feature winner of the future for Greg Eurell.

Broodmare owners can still book into Host this season by contacting Sangster for further details on 0418 543 633 or nominations manager Chris Belli on 0417 514 552.

– Karl Patterson