$800,000 yearling Philosopher breaks through for first stakes win at Sandown after he was sold for $18,000

Philosopher, an $800,000 yearling who was later sold for $18,000, continued to repay his connections with his first stakes victory at Sandown.

Philosopher powers to victory in the W.J. Adams Stakes at Sandown Lakeside on Saturday. Picture: Pat Scala/Racing Photos via Getty Images

A lot has changed since Philosopher ran third in a Blue Diamond Preview three years ago.

The sprinter finished 1½ lengths from the subsequent Blue Diamond Stakes winner Daumier in the 2022 colts and geldings Preview.

The run was Philosopher’s second in a career that began in promising fashion with a win at Caulfield on debut.

Philosopher was an $800,000 yearling that started his career in the Anthony and Sam Freedman stable but fetched only $18,000 at an online sale in the spring of 2022.

The son of Zoustar has repaid that outlay many times over for trainer Enver Jusufovic with four wins in restricted grade at 1000m.

Philosopher rockets home and takes out the W.J. Adams Stakes 🚀@jusufovicracingpic.twitter.com/kmqdNMDI5t

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) January 25, 2025

Philosopher broke through for a stakes win courtesy of an impressive turn of foot in the Listed WJ Adams Stakes (1000m).

Jockey Michael Dee, having only his sixth ride back from injury, was keen to keep Philosopher in clear running before the gelding let down in the straight to score what turned out to be a soft win.

“He was very dominant in the end,” Dee said.

“I thought he could put in a performance like that because he’s been ultra-consistent and he certainly deserved that one.

“He gave a great kick and we were able to utilise his big action and good turn of foot.”

Coastwatch too strong in the John Dillon Stakes 🏅@LaneDamian@[e-mail]/jcEv9GWfwO

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) January 25, 2025

Sydney galloper Coastwatch pushed his stakes tally towards the million-dollar barrier with his win in the Listed John Dillon Stakes (1400m).

Jockey Damian Lane tracked the bold frontrunner Buffalo River to the 400m before Coastwatch ($3.50) outsprinted the $3.10 favourite Chorlton Lane.

“When Buffalo River put the tempo into the race, he just travelled perfectly,” Lane said.

“When I presented him, he was really genuine.”

Originally published as $800,000 yearling Philosopher breaks through for first stakes win at Sandown after he was sold for $18,000