Could Rising be the next homebred star from the Phoenix Thoroughbreds production line?
While the I Am Invincible colt has a long way to go to match the exploits of the Dubai based owners’ most famous product Farnan, he landed a very impressive debut success at Stawell on Saturday. What the three-year-old did prove, with his decisive all the way win, was that he might have more than his fair share of ability, something he hinted at in an eye-catching performance in a recent jumpout.
The victory itself was a masterclass in simplicity. Jockey Linda Meech encouraged the Ciaron Maher and David Eustace trainee to lead straight from the gates. Once in front, the pair always looked in complete control. By the time the field was turning for home, they had most of their rivals off the bridle. With Meech still cutting a statuesque figure in the plate as Rising entered the closing stages, it became apparent it would be a case of how far. Once the rider released the handbrake, the colt stretched clear, recording a winning margin of over five lengths.