Leading Brisbane trainer Rob Heathcote is confident his Bianconi mare Fillydelphia can add to her impressive black-type record in the LR Sunshine Coast Cup (1400m) this Saturday.

The classy five year-old is coming off a desperately unlucky second in the LR Bernborough Hcp (1615m) at Doomben on December 29.  “She was beaten in a photo by Alma’s Fury who was runner-up in the Villiers Stakes in Sydney at her previous run,” Heathcote said.  “She had to carry a lot of weight and, because she drew a bad alley, we had no choice but to snag her back in the field.

Fillydelphia (5m Bianconi – Edel Vanessa by Encosta De Lago) has been consistent throughout her 31 start career winning 9 races highlighted by the G3 Rough Habit Plate (2020m) and LR Brisbane Handicap (1600m).

She has saluted as a two, three, four and five year-old and Heathcote has learned over the years how to place her to advantage.  “I’m not ruling out another crack at the winter carnival,” he said this week.  “I’m planning to give her short breaks and there’s plenty of nice races around for her.”

Fillydelphia, who has a yearling brother by Bianconi, has earned $450,000 for part-owner and breeder Frank Wolber.

Heathcote has been closely monitoring the weather this week and there’s every chance of a heavy track if rain continues to fall on the Sunshine Coast.  That shouldn’t be a problem for his mare – she has won on a Dead 4, Slow 6 and Heavy 8

Bianconi stands at Swettenham Stud and Fillydelphia is bred on the same Encosta de Lago cross as talented mare Gail who is working up to another win in Melbourne.

Bianconi (Danzig) has sired 475 winners of 1415 races world-wide at a 62% strike-rate.

FILLYDELPHIA