Chilcott in raptures after brilliant win

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Cambridge horsewoman Nicky Chilcott saw in Alexandra Park’s new stakes hikes in the best possible fashion on Friday night, training a pair of $20,000 race winners.

And while the win of pacer Jack Tar was gratifying, it was the sensational last-to-first victory of trotter Phoebe Imperial that really had her excited.

“That’s the nicest feeling I’ve had sitting behind a horse in a long, long time,” said Chilcott.

“We did a stretch at the start and I didn’t think we’d even tack on to the field, let alone win.”

Phoebe Imperial was impeded by a galloping runner at the start and settled beyond the back of the pack.

He eventually rejoined the main bunch and Chilcott sat him last until mounting a sprint wide on the track.

A brilliant turn of foot saw him blaze straight past the entire field to win easily.

It could be just the beginning of something special for the son of Imperial Count.

“I’ve always really liked him, he’s just mentally been a bit of a dick and I’ve had to wait for him.

“He’s always had a lot of speed and a beautiful gait, just mentally not there.”

Phoebe Imperial has now won three of 11 starts.

Jack Tar was a decisive winner in the 50-54 pace, Dylan Ferguson doing the driving with Chilcott on stablemate Mac’s Tomado.

But his trainer warns that the son of Tintin In America is better than he’s currently showing.

“Even though he won, I’m not real happy with him at the moment.

“He’s a much better horse than what he’s been showing.

“He’s not a patch on the horse he’s meant to be, so hopefully, after a spell, we’ll see the best of him.”

Barry Purdon also prepared a double on the card, with Mach Shard taking out the night’s $25,000 feature pace and Benson Boys resuming with an impressive win over A Bettor Act on the undercard.

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