Payline chases early Melbourne win in 2025 Moir Stakes
Saturday’s Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) has attracted a full complement of 15 runners plus one emergency, with Rothfire, Payline and Golden Boom flying the flag for Queensland.
Payline, trained by Chris and Corey Munce, took to Moonee Valley for a gallop on Tuesday, his first look at the Melbourne circuit. Having campaigned solely in Queensland up to now, the gelding enters the spring off a strong third in the Doomben 10,000. “He’s settled in nicely… I was pleasantly surprised seeing him rail up quite well on Tuesday,” Chris Munce said. “He looked to change legs when he needed to, and I don’t think that will be an issue.”
While Munce admits the 1000 metres may not be Payline’s ideal trip, he views the run as a stepping stone. The Group 1 Manikato Stakes and Champions Sprint remain on the radar, depending on how he performs. “It’s a full field, and he’ll need luck in running, but if he gets the right luck, he will be hitting the line pretty strong,” Munce said. “His 1200-metre form is very strong, and I wouldn’t rule anything out with him. He’s a pretty good galloper.”
The unbeaten filly Esha has been declared first emergency for the Moir and will need one scratching to make the line-up. The barrier draw will be conducted later on Tuesday.
More Racing News
Classy mare Gold Coast Belle too good on return
Gold Coast Belle is poised for more significant tests following a triumphant resumption at Sandown on Saturday.Trainer Danny O'Brien has signalled a progression to Group 2 races for the four-year-old mare, who comfortably surpassed her opposition, including the previously undefeated Tennessee Bound, in the $150,000 Dr Sheahan Plate (1300m) contested...
Autumn Glow triumphs over Sheza Alibi in star mare clash
The anticipated duel between racing's premier mares delivered a compelling spectacle, with Autumn Glow ultimately dominating to clinch her fourth career Group 1 victory in the $1 million Winx Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Sheza Alibi's performance to secure second place, just one-and-a-half lengths adrift, was exceptional given...
Craig Williams enjoys a stellar day at Sandown with four wins, including Carlyon Stakes
Sandown proved a happy hunting ground for jockey Craig Williams on Saturday, as the premier rider dominated the meeting transferred from Moonee Valley, securing four victories including the feature Group 3 Carlyon Stakes.Williams piloted Cavalry Girl, trained by Tom Dabernig, to a stylish win in the 1000m feature, capping a...
Midnight In Tokyo delivers first Group win for trainer Todd Pollard
Todd Pollard has celebrated his inaugural Group success with Midnight In Tokyo claiming the Show County Quality at Randwick, a significant milestone just under five months after commencing his training career.After gaining experience with Annabel and Rob Archibald in Sydney, Pollard relocated to Queensland to manage their satellite operation before...
Princess Series or The Everest awaits Pembrey after dominant win
Connections for the filly Pembrey are weighing up two significant paths: a potential clean sweep of the esteemed Princess Series or a tilt at the prestigious The Everest.These options are being carefully considered following Pembrey's commanding performance in the Group 2 $300,000 Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Royal Randwick on...
Buggsy's potential to be tested after successful return
Mick Price is not yet convinced Buggsy is in the top echelon of sprinting three-year-olds, but the colt is set to be given his opportunity to prove his mettle following a first-up triumph on Saturday.The Harry Angel colt outlasted his competitors in the $150,000 Chef's Hat Handicap (1000m) at Sandown.While...
Prima Bella's Toy Show Quality triumph after bold trainer call
A bold strategic move has yielded excellent results for connections of Prima Bella, with the mare in fine fettle taking down two significant rivals to win the Toy Show Quality at Randwick.Trainer Matthew Smith decided to challenge the six-year-old mare at Group 3 level following a sequence of wins in...
King Of The Sea makes bold statement with Randwick win
Imported stayer King Of The Sea has announced himself as a contender for the spring carnival following a commanding win at Randwick, with trainer Ciaron Maher eyeing significant races.In his second Australian preparation, the former UK galloper was in superb form, unleashing a blistering turn of foot from the back...
Boniface claims maiden Australian win in Premier's Cup
Boniface, expertly ridden as the perceived best horse in the field, finally rewarded the faith of his supporters with a victory in the Group 3 $250,000 Premier's Cup (2000m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.The imported French galloper had encountered considerable misfortune in his previous four starts on Australian soil, but...
Foire De Trone's stamina prevails at Randwick
Endurance was the key as the tough mare Foire De Trone outlasted her competitors at Royal Randwick on Saturday, potentially paving the way for a tilt at The Metropolitan.Foire De Trone demonstrated superior staying power to defeat the favourite, Le Troisir, in the Andrew Wisemantel Handicap over 2400 metres.The Ciaron...