Philia confirmed her status as a Queensland Oaks contender after a gutsy all-the-way win in the Group 2 The Roses (2000m) at Doomben, handing trainer David Vandyke his second win in the race in four years.

The daughter of All Too Hard was heavily supported into $3.70 second elect and didn’t disappoint, leading throughout under Kerrin McEvoy and holding off a determined challenge from Jenni’s Meadow ($31) by half a length. Movin Out ($21) finished a solid third.

Vandyke admitted the step to 2000m was a slight concern, but he praised McEvoy’s ride and the filly’s resilience under pressure.

“She was 100% going into today. The distance was the only unknown,” Vandyke said. “Kerrin controlled the tempo, absorbed pressure and the filly responded every time he asked.”

Saturday’s performance has secured Philia a place in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks (2200m), a race Vandyke won with Gypsy Goddess in 2022.

“She has a great pattern—she’s tough, thrives under pressure and she’ll be fitter for the Oaks,” he said. “Now we’ve got two weeks to bring her in spot on.”

Philia boasts a strong pedigree, being a half-sister to Duais, and Vandyke is confident she will handle the extra distance.

“All Too Hard has been a great stallion for us and this filly is built to stay,” he added. “She’s full of heart.”

Philia has firmed into a $3 favourite for the Oaks while former market leader Benagil, who finished tenth, has drifted to $5.

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