Kentucky Derby Horse Profile: Two Phil’s
Mar 28, 2023
Patricia’s Hope, LLC and Phillip Sagan’s Two Phil’s earned a place in the starting gates for the 2023 Kentucky Derby (G1) after posting a 5 1/4-length score in the $694,000 Jeff Ruby Steaks (G3) at Turfway Park on March 25.
The winner endured 1 1/8 miles on the synthetic surface in 1:49.03 under the guidance of Jareth Loveberry.
“Two Phil's has seemed to get better each week this winter at Fair Grounds,” Loveberry said. “Last time he had a beautiful trip but he seems to do his best running while behind horses. I think he’s getting better with each start”.
Two Phil’s was bred in Kentucky by Phillip Sagan and was a $150,000 RNA at the 2021 Keeneland September Yearling Sale. He is the first foal produced from 2017 Sunshine Millions Distaff heroine Mia Torri.
He began his career on June 23, 2022 at Churchill Downs and came home fifth in a five furlong maiden special weight dash on the dirt. In his second assignment, the son of Hard Spun broke through with a two-length tally while traveling six panels at Colonial Downs.
Two Phi’s then ran off to a commanding stakes win at Canterbury in his first try with winners, which preceded an unplaced showing in the Breeders’ Futurity (G1) at Keeneland. The chestnut ended his smart juvenile campaign with a decisive victory in the Street Sense S. (G3) beneath the Twin Spires Oct. 30.
The Larray Rivelli trainee was a clear second in the Lecomte S. (G3) at Fair Grounds to kick off his three-year-old season, and then finished a nice third in the Risen Star S. (G2) Feb. 18 prior to his Jeff Ruby Steaks victory. His lifetime line after his Turfway Park success read 8-4-1-1, $683,450.
The improving Two Phil’s has registered Brisnet Speed numbers of 93-94-107 from his trio of tries in 2023, and he earned a hefty 106 Late Pace figure for his work at Turfway Park. If the colt can duplicate his latest performance while running 1 1/4 miles on the dirt, then he will be a major threat at Churchill Downs on May 6.
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