The Pharoah reigns with second win

The Pharoah has continued his consistent preparation at Rosehill with a win that should be a tonic for owner Ottavio Galletta.

After the gelding claimed a benchmark handicap (1350m) by a 1-1/4-length margin on Saturday, trainer Gerald Ryan said the four-year-old’s second career win was particularly satisfying.

“That gives me a lot of pleasure that race. Tavio (Galletta) has just had major surgery. He’s home and he wanted to come today,” Ryan said.

“I said, ‘Don’t come today just enjoy it on the TV’. He’s a good owner. He leaves you alone and he’s been pretty sick lately so it’s a good pick-up for him.”

The Pharoah led from the kick and the $2.70 favourite was never threatened as Jay Ford produced a smooth ride.

Hogmanay ($8.50) was second and Peacock ($3.30) was 1-1/2 lengths further back in third.

“It looked like the race was going to map out good for him. He lobbed there and was well rated by Jay. He’s an underrated rider,” Ryan said.

The Pharoah, who has two wins and four placings from seven starts, could return to Rosehill in a fortnight.

“There’s a benchmark-80 1500 here. I might test him at that and see how he goes,” Ryan said.