Trainer David Vandyke's assessment of his star Philia is frightening for her 2025 Queensland Oaks rivals
'I would say you'll see the best of her on Saturday.'
Trainer David Vandyke 's assessment of his star Philia is frightening for her Queensland Oaks rivals as the super talented filly is primed to cap a dream campaign in the Group 1 for three-year-olds over 2200m at Eagle Farm on Saturday.
To be ridden by top jockey Kerrin McEvoy, Philia will be shooting for her fifth straight triumph in the major on Saturday after a meteoric rise that prompted bookmakers to install her as the $3 favourite in the Oaks.
Group 1 Australasian Oaks champion Benagil ($5) is on the next line from Jenni's Meadow ($6), Churchill's Choice and Movin Out (both $8).
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'From the time I got her as a yearling, the plan was always to end up at the Queensland Oaks,' said Vandyke, who won the major with Gypsy Goddess three years ago.
'For this girl to go from a maiden at the start of this prep and us not really knowing to what level she could climb … it would be wonderful to win an Oaks with her.
'When she goes out for a break next week, irrespective of what happens on Saturday, it'll be a good time for reflection.
'I can sit back and look at the pedigree page, I can watch the replays and I can really appreciate what's happened during this period.'
But it hasn't all been smooth sailing for Sunshine Coast trainer Vandyke, who said the daughter of All Too Hard – a half-sister to Duais, who won the 2021 Queensland Oaks for trainer Ed Cummings – could be as stubborn as a mule at times.
Philia dominates Race 7 at Eagle Farm for @vandykeracing13! @KPMcEvoy pic.twitter.com/gcGQcczHhc
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) April 26, 2025
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'This girl's had very little time off in 12 months and she's been difficult to train,' he said.
'She's got a very strong will and it hasn't always been focused on running.
'Even now I'll take her down to the pool for a walk and if she doesn't want to do something or she wants to go at her pace, then there has to be a compromise.
'She can get a bit resentful if she's not respected or managed well.'
That stubborn attitude is why Philia, with four wins and two runner-up finishes from just six races, has an iron will to win and an ability to soak up pressure from her rivals.
Those traits shone through brightly in her last-start victory in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) on May 24 at Doomben when she was softened up in the run but still kicked on to beat the fast-finishing Jenni's Meadow and Movin Out.
. @KPMcEvoy guides Philia to victory in The Roses for @vandykeracing13! pic.twitter.com/Y24NJjvqxC
— SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) May 24, 2025
'She's the sort of horse you dream about, I couldn't be happier with her,' Vandyke said.
'With her pattern of racing, she can create the tempo.
'The other day (in The Roses) the fastest furlong was between the 1800m and the 1600m.
'She can really handle pressure and she's got that will to win when she gets taken on.
'She'll just pin the ears and keep going. I was delighted with her effort because she didn't do it easy.'
Queensland Derby (2400m) and Kingsford Smith Cup (1300m) to be rescheduled.
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