3 minute read
Cups prospect Montefilia is on target for a lucrative spring.
For a smaller stable, David Payne has an incredible record of success in the Chelmsford Stakes and he won't be surprised to see Montefilia add to that at Randwick.
Payne has won the race three times with Unearthly (2004), Nevis (2005) and Gallant Tess (2008) but believes Montefilia is the best of them.
"I've won it all with fillies," Payne said.
"It's just what you've got in your yard at the time, but Gallant Tess would be the best of those and Montefilia, she would be better than Gallant Tess because she stays. Gallant Tess was more a 1600 metre horse."
A multiple Group 1 winner, Montefilia is one of the few proven weight-for-age horses in Saturday's 1600m assignment and finished third to Think It Over in the corresponding race last year.
While Saturday's renewal is arguably not as strong, Payne says her winning chances are dependent on tempo.
"She's well, she's happy. It's a bit on the sharp side but she has got a bit of class so she could surprise," Payne said.
"She just needs a bit of speed in the race, but I will be happy to see her running on strongly."
On the third line of Caulfield Cup markets at $15 and a $26 Melbourne Cup chance, Montefilia also holds a nomination for the Cox Plate.
Payne is yet to decide if the Moonee Valley feature will enter their spring calculations, but he has mapped out her first three campaign runs with the George Main Stakes (1600m) and Hill Stakes (2000m) her second and third-up targets.
Montefilia will be one of two black-type runners for Payne at Randwick, along with Raging Bull who can stake his claims for a shot at The Metropolitan in Saturday's YLC City Tattersall's Club Cup (2400m).
The four-year-old was a mighty first-up winner under 61kg and while he rises sharply in class and distance, Payne is keen to see how he measures up against more seasoned stayers.
"It's a stronger field now so we will see where he is at," Payne said.
"If he can handle a race like this, we will look at The Metropolitan."
