The Bondi breed are better known as sprinters but Mitch Pateman believes his Bondi maiden winner Phat Chaps will perform just as well going past a mile.
Phat Chaps (4g Bondi – Bella Contessa by Bel Esprit) started an odds-on favourite in the Redink Homes Southwest Maiden (1600m) at Bunbury on Thursday and settled right behind the speed for Holly Watson. Given rein into the straight, he sized up Saisoku (Maurice) and looked set to score comfortably until the leader kept lifting to ensure it would be a fight to the finish.
Phat Chaps got there in a head-bobber but Pateman thought he should have put the second horse away sooner. “He made hard work of it and had to dig deep. He looked a bit camera-shy but that will build his confidence and he will be all the better for the win.
“I can see him getting out to 2000m.”
His dam Bella Contessa arrived in WA from Victoria in 2009 to be sold as a yearling at that year’s Perth Magic Millions. She was purchased by Mark Fortune for $7,000 and retired to stud a maiden after being unplaced in the G2 WA Guineas (1600m) won by Playing God (Blackfriars) in 2010.
Bella Contessa turned Fortune Teller at stud foaling LR Bunbury South West Cup (2220m) winner Bella’s Idol (Vital Equine) and Mama Tembu (Blackfriars) who clocked four wins at Belmont while earning $220,000.
Mitch Pateman and Phat Chaps after the Bunbury win with his brother Josh and uncle Greg Hunter / Photo: Western Racepix
After Phat Chaps, Fortune sent her back to Bondi at Lynward Park and she foaled Ruthless Angel to win an Ascot nursery earlier this year. The Dan Morton-trained filly is back in training for a 3yo spring campaign for a partnership that includes several members of the Fortune family.
Bella Contessa also has a new-season 2yo colt from the first-crop of Ridgeport Park sire Aysar (Deep Field). He was sold by Lynward Park on behalf of Fortune for $80,000 to Pearce Racing at this year’s Perth Magic Millions. “He looks a forward type who ticks our boxes to make an early runner,” Pearce Racing posted. “The girls hope to aim him for the Racing Women’s Bonus in the 2027 Magic Millions 2YO Classic and 2028 Magic Millions 3YO Trophy.”
Bondi (Snitzel) stands for a $6,600 (inc GST) fee at Lynward Park and stud manager Troy van Heemst can be contacted for bookings and further details 0439 957 111 or troy@lynwardparkstud.com.au
