Paynes join Egan in Caulfield races double
A Caulfield raceday double provided the perfect belated birthday gift for trainer Patrick Payne, whose team of Jimmy The Bear and Stop The Rock delivered successive wins on Saturday.
Payne, training in partnership with Michelle Payne, was all smiles as Jimmy The Bear took out the VOBIS Gold Heath (2000m) before Stop The Rock surged home to win the Sportsbet Same Race Multi Handicap.
Jimmy The Bear, last week’s Winter Championship Final (1600m) winner, justified his short $1.70 quote from top betting sites by producing a composed display under Billy Egan, extending his earnings past $1.37 million.
“It was a textbook ride from Billy, and Jimmy just kept responding,” said Michelle Payne. “He’s such a trier and an absolute favourite around the stable.”
Later, Stop The Rock overcame early trouble to claim his fourth win in five starts, highlighting the stable’s growing firepower heading into spring.
“He had every reason to pack it in after copping a check early, but he showed real grit to get the job done,” Michelle said.
With both horses on upward trajectories, spring plans are on the radar — but so too is appreciation for the longevity and care the stable puts into their team.
Betting interest in both horses was high, with punters able to access the latest odds through Australian betting platforms.
More Racing News
Ka Ying Rising readies for The Everest despite minor trial setback
Hong Kong's celebrated galloper, Ka Ying Rising, faced a surprising defeat in a 1000m barrier trial at Royal Randwick this morning, finishing behind Ninja, though trainer and jockey remain unconcerned.The world's foremost racehorse, Ka Ying Rising, made a swift departure from the gates, establishing an early lead with Ninja in...
Caulfield Guineas draw favours Call Me Coach
The barrier draw for the 2019 Caulfield Guineas remains a vivid memory for Rod 'Rocket' Douglas.Douglas, serving as racing manager for owner Jonothan Munz, had the responsibility of drawing the Caulfield Guineas barriers for Anthony Freedman's stablemates, Super Seth and Groundswell, before the 2019 running.Super Seth ultimately started from barrier...
Sheza Alibi and Birdman set for Caulfield clash
Leading trainer Chris Waller is fully aware of the significant challenge that lies ahead for his charge, Birdman, as he prepares to face the talented mare Sheza Alibi at Caulfield.The highly anticipated clash between Birdman and Sheza Alibi is set for the Group 1 Might And Power Stakes over 2000m...
Melbourne Cup hopes boosted for Ciaron Maher runners after handicapping
Juja Kibo has taken a significant step towards a Melbourne Cup start, receiving a revised handicap following his impressive victory in The Metropolitan last Saturday.The chief handicapper for Racing Victoria, David Hegan, assigned the Ciaron Maher-trained stayer a 2kg penalty for the $10 million event, acknowledging his dominant 1-3/4-length win...
Crescent King set for Brian Crowley Stakes after Warwick Farm triumph
While Crescent King has not yet been tested in Saturday races, a commanding win at Warwick Farm on Monday could well have earned him a start in Stakes company.The Written Tycoon colt, a three-year-old, now boasts two wins from as many starts this preparation after he reeled in the speedy...
Attrition set for another tilt at the Hill Stakes
Mitch Freedman's primary focus at Flemington last Saturday was on the Group 2 Gilgai Stakes, which he claimed with Skybird, but he was also an interested observer of the Turnbull Stakes.The Ballarat trainer expressed his satisfaction at seeing Cosmic Crusader achieve a dominant 1-3/4-length victory in the 2000-metre Group 1...
Welcometotheshow primed for Toorak Handicap tilt
Trainer Tyler Donaldson-Aitken is preparing to mark a significant career milestone, readying his first Group 1 contender, Welcometotheshow.The race targeted for Welcometotheshow is the highly anticipated Toorak Handicap, a 1600-metre event at Caulfield this Saturday. This comes after the gelding secured his inaugural Stakes race victory at Flemington on September...
Flying For Fun targets Schillaci Stakes after impressive return
Bryce Heys has opted to keep Flying For Fun at shorter distances for now, with the mare's next start set to be in Melbourne for the Schillaci Stakes.The dual stakes winner is expected to be nominated for the 1100m sprint at Caulfield on Saturday. This comes after a promising return...
Close call as Skybird narrowly wins Gilgai Stakes
Depending on when you are reading this, trainer Mitchell Freedman and favourite backers may only just have exhaled as a unique characteristic nearly brought Skybird undone in the Gilgai Stakes at Flemington.Sent out the $2.90 market elect, Skybird looked set for an easy victory as jockey Ben Melham eased the...
Cosmic Crusader's Turnbull Stakes victory points to Cox Plate tilt
Pakenham trainer Andrea Leek has celebrated her most substantial success to date as Cosmic Crusader triumphed in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington. Leek is now aiming for an even greater prize, hoping to return to headquarters for Australia's premier weight-for-age race, the Cox Plate, with the Perth-owned galloper.The prestigious Cox...