Hollywood Treasure (16/1) produced a thrilling late surge to claim the Sequoia Hair & Spirit St Hugh’s Stakes, the feature Listed sprint at Newbury, in a dramatic finish.
The win was a significant moment for trainer Kevin Philippart De Foy, recently appointed principal trainer for big-spending owners. It also strengthened their promising partnership, with his Gregorian filly following up her successful debut at Wolverhampton on April Fools’ Day.
Hollywood Treasure stuns Flowerhead to clinch epic victory
On the day, retained rider David Egan partnered the odds-on favourite Flowerhead, while Rowan Scott picked up the ride on Hollywood Treasure. Both were drawn high and settled into a group of six runners on the stands’ side.
As the race developed and the pace quickened, Flowerhead, more seasoned and travelling sweetly, began to close in on the leaders, eyeing Daneh Of Dandy ahead.
Hollywood Treasure, by contrast, seemed momentarily flat-footed, as though the moment might slip away.
But with the race hurtling towards its climax, the filly found her rhythm. She quickened impressively, joining Palmeira, who was running towards the centre of the course—in a tense battle for the lead.
In the final strides, with the camera angle shifting and the outcome still in doubt, Hollywood Treasure thrust her head in front right when it mattered most.
The winning margins told the story of a close contest: a neck to Palmeira in second, another head back to Flowerhead in third, followed by Our Cody three parts of a length away, and Daneh Of Dandy a further neck behind.
Hollywood Treasure rider sings praises
For Rowan Scott, it was a second career stakes victory, and he was full of praise for his mount when speaking to Sky Sports Racing, as quoted by Sporting Life:
“She’s only had the one start and had a little setback, so she’ll get a lot of confidence from that. She won well. When I first asked her, she rolled around slightly, but once the gap opened, she picked up really well and was strong at the line. She’s got natural speed and could get six furlongs, so we’ve got options. She’s not the biggest, but when she fills out, there’s plenty of scope.”
When asked how he came by the ride, Scott explained:
“I’ve been in a couple of times, and I’m always available to go in when I can. It’s good to get on a few, and I really appreciate it.”