Payne team ready to build on momentum

Michelle Payne continues to make an impact both on and off the track, teaming with her brother Patrick in training while also championing a new cause — collecting surplus horse feed to assist drought-affected farmers and livestock.

On the racing front, the duo is hoping their good form continues at Flemington, where a strong lineup includes rising star Buccleuch, the $1.85 favourite for the Taj Rossi Series Final (1600m).

“He’s a lovely horse that helps himself and at last start he stepped a little bit slow but Billy Egan was able to get him into a nice rhythm to hold the position he wanted to,” Michelle told RadioTAB.

“He went to sleep and when Billy asked him to take a gap and quicken, he was ready to do it.”

“They are the types of horse you want in your stable and he looks like he can progress.

It looks like a really nice race for him on Saturday and we are excited for the future with him.”

Buccleuch is a son of Peltzer, winner of the Stan Fox Stakes, and his dam Golden Fastnet was campaigned in France. His breeding points to strong staying potential.

While carrying 59kg this weekend, Payne believes the weight won’t hinder him given his physical build.

“He’s a big, strong two-year-old and we wouldn’t run him if we didn’t think he was capable of doing that,” she added.

Stable favourite Jimmy The Bear also takes his place in the VRC-CRV Winter Championship Final, following an impressive last start win.

“His last start win was exceptional and he dominated when he got the gap,” Payne said.

“He went to the line with ease and it was one of the best wins of his career. He’ll need to as he has some competition in that Final.”

Silver Pledge and Frontline Action will contest the Mahogany Challenge Final, with Silver Pledge aiming to back up his Sandown success and Frontline Action hoping to bounce back from a near miss at Flemington.

For the best odds on Saturday's Flemington runners, visit top Australian betting sites.