The Phoenix Thoroughbreds owned Deja will have entries in both the Melbourne and Caulfield Cups as his owners look to step the talented gelding up into Group company.
Trained by Peter Chapple-Hyam, the son of Youmzain was an impressive winner of the prestigious Old Newton Cup at Haydock on his last start, improving from his narrow defeat in the Duke Of Edinburgh Handicap at Royal Ascot. Deja’s next main target remains the Ebor at York, for which he’ll be close to carrying top weight, but a raid down under is at the forefront of the owner’s thinking.
“We have had it on our mind all year to step him up into Group races before the end of the season and the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup and definitely options,” said Phoenix Thoroughbreds PR manager and UK representative Jamie Watson.
“He’s been clobbered seven pounds by the handicapper for his win at Haydock, which at least secures his place in the Ebor. If he were to win that or even go close, I think you have to strongly consider going for the Melbourne Cup.
“We think a mile and a half is his minimum and would expect even more from him over longer distances and there’s every chance he’ll get his ground conditions in Australia at that time of year. We are also looking at the Doncaster Cup and the stayers race on Champions Day at Ascot as other options.”
Phoenix Thoroughbreds are no stranger to success in Australia having recorded a number of wins in the country including with homebred Farnan, co-owned with Aquis, in the Group One Golden Slipper and a pair of Group One victories for Everest hopeful Loving Gaby.