Payne gelding out-Foxes rivals

The stars finally aligned for Fox Fighter as the gelding relished a solid pace and firm track to storm to a last-stride victory in Saturday’s Mounties Group Handicap (1200m).

Sneaking under the guard of most punters, the six-year-old was sent out at $41 with bookmakers and scored his first win in almost two years, nailing Battleton ($8.50) by a half-head in a blanket finish where less than a length separated the first five horses across the line.

Trainer David Payne said he pulled up stumps on Fox Fighter’s last preparation after just two runs as he wasn’t handling the wet tracks.

Back on a good surface at Rosehill, the horse lived up to his trackwork earlier in the week.

“He’s got to have a hard track and a fast tempo,” Payne said.

“He’s always had that hell of a dash.

“We worked him the other day and Chad (Schofield) got off and said, ‘gee he’s well'”.

“It has got to work out for him. He can’t be too far back and he’s got a very short burst. He used it today, thank goodness.”

Payne has no grand plans for Fox Fighter but will continue to look for similar races for the sprinter.

Quote of the Day: “There is so much talent there. I’m glad he’s been able to come back and race in that manner and showcase his talents and natural speed that’s he’s got today.” – Co-trainer Adrian Bott following Storm Boy’s stunning San Domenico Stakes win.