Hell Hound looks to be the latest smart filly produced by Phoenix Thoroughbreds’ breeding operation after her impressive win on debut at Terang.
The homebred daughter of Hellbent overcame plenty of signs of inexperience to find her feet late and charge home to claim victory carrying the Dubai-based firm’s white and orange silks on Sunday (April 10).
Jockey Beau Mertens got the leg-up on the Mick Price and Michael Kent Junior trainee and gave the debutante a great ride. Breaking on terms, the hoop had his mount settled in midfield for much of the 1000m contest. Taking advantage of the long Terang straight, the rider persuaded Hell Hound to get into top gear, and after pondering the request for a few seconds, she got going to blast past her rivals and score with a bit in hand.
“It was an impressive performance,” Mertens told Racing.com in the winners’ circle. “I was a bit worried coming to the turn as she was very green and came off the bridle on me. It took a while for her to get into her stride, but once she did, she motored home nicely.”
Out of the mare Miss Charming, her connections will be hoping Hell Hound can follow in the hoofprints of her Group Two winning half-sister Letzbeglam.
Phoenix homebreds very nearly bookended the Terang card. The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott inmate, Invincible Jet, was only passed in the final half-furlong after making the running in the finale and bravely battled on to secure a runner-up placing.