Dream debut has potential for fairy tale ending

ALREADY basking in the joy of her "dream" debut, Michelle Phillips hopes the fairy tale continues on Sunday.

Last weekend Phillips kick-started her training career with Kimora Saffi finishing fourth in a Victoria Trotters' Derby heat in Maryborough.

As such Phillips' filly will return to the provincial circuit to take on the 'boys' once again in the Final.

Although she has co-owned Kimora Saffi all along, Phillips only recently decided to become the squaregaiter's official trainer.

"I'd always done the work with her, but she was officially trained by others I worked for," Phillips said. "After giving it some thought I decided to make it official and trainer her myself.

"I wasn't going to put her in the Derby heats, but Alex (Ashwood) suggested I do and now she's in the Final.

"She really exceeded my expectations and I can't believe we are in a Group One at just my second start."

To Phillips' dismay, Kimora Saffi's prospects have been dealt a cruel blow after the daughter of Great Success drew barrier six.

"I'm not happy with the draw," Phillips said. "It was already going to be tough, but the draw has made it a lot tougher on her.

"We'll be relying on a lot of luck."