Mick Dee strikes back after injury break

Jockey Michael Dee has made a triumphant return to the winner’s circle at Sandown following an extended stint on the sidelines due to injury. Dee partnered with the Enver Jusufovic-trained Philosopher to secure victory in the Listed W J Adams Stakes (1000m) on Saturday.

Dee’s injuries stemmed from a fall at the Flemington jump-outs in November, which resulted in a separated AC joint in his shoulder, a concussion, a lung injury, and issues with a vertebra. After a lengthy recovery, Dee resumed riding at Pakenham on Thursday night, followed by three rides at Moonee Valley on Friday night. His determination paid off at Sandown, where he claimed victory on Philosopher during his second ride of the day.

The wide-open spaces of Sandown suited Philosopher ($10), who delivered an impressive 2-¼ length victory over Midwest ($12), with Perilous Fighter ($18) finishing a further 1-¼ lengths back in third.

“I’m getting there,” Dee said after the win. “My fitness isn’t at 100 percent yet, but it’ll only take a few more days and a few more winners, and we’ll be raring to go.”

Dee revealed that the game plan had been to sit behind the pace and trail the speedy Midwest, a strategy that worked perfectly.

“He was helped by a good tempo, and he was very dominant in the end,” Dee added. “I thought he could produce a performance like that because he’s been ultra-consistent, and he definitely deserved that win.”

With Jusufovic attending the Karaka Yearling Sales in New Zealand, stable representative Brian Sockalingum praised Philosopher for his adaptability and strong run at Sandown, a course the gelding was racing at for the first time.

The victory marked Philosopher’s sixth win from 20 starts, taking his career prize money to nearly $460,000.

“He’s always shown a lot of ability, but he’s been carrying big weights this campaign,” Sockalingum said. “This time, he finally got in with a manageable weight.”

Sockalingum highlighted how the spacious Sandown track worked to Philosopher’s advantage.

“It was his first run here, and it suited him perfectly,” he said. “He needs space, doesn’t like being boxed in, and thrives when he can go when he wants to. Today, he found that rhythm and was able to chase.”