Proxima Dea's determination secures narrow Rosehill victory
With remarkable grit, Proxima Dea managed to lead throughout the Elite Sand And Soil Handicap (1400m), repelling the determined challenge of Defensemen to clinch a slender win.
Despite starting as the rank outsider at $51, Proxima Dea's fighting victory came as no surprise to trainer David Payne.
"I think she's going to make a good horse, she's my Oaks filly for the spring,'' Payne revealed. "The plan was to lead today and make them try and run her down. She's tough and she will stay – her stamina kicked in when the other horse came at her."
Under Reece Jones, Proxima Dea ($51) faced significant pressure when Defensemen ($4.60) drew alongside and briefly took the lead mid-straight. However, the filly responded strongly on the inside to secure a well-deserved triumph. Woodenbridge ($8.50) experienced interference entering the straight and recovered well for third, two-and-a-half lengths behind, while favourite Rumdabar ($3.10) faltered on the heavy track, finishing fifth.
Jones highlighted Proxima Dea's refusal to be beaten as Defensemen made his move.
"She fought hard and really wanted to win,'' Jones told Payne. "She's only going to be better for the experience, too."
The daughter of Tarzino, out of Invisible Coin, is bred for distance, mirroring her full sister, 2022 Queensland Oaks winner Gypsy Goddess.
While Payne operates a compact stable at Rosehill, the accomplished trainer consistently has talented horses, and he may have unearthed three burgeoning stars in Proxima Dea, Krasina, and the promising sprinter Bangkok Hottie.
"I will have a think about what we do with Proxima Dea but ultimately she's out Oaks filly,'' Payne commented. "Bangkok Hottie is back in work and we will aim her at the Princess Series (Silver Shadow Stakes, Furious Stakes, Tea Rose Stakes and Flight Stakes) in the spring. "And don't forget about Krasina, she's another very talented filly. It's nice to have some good ones going into the new season."
For those interested in wagering, explore the latest Australian Betting Sites available.
More Racing News
Cruiserweight claims third consecutive win at Caulfield
The potential of Cruiserweight has become increasingly evident following his commanding victory at Caulfield.This gelding's success in the Sportsbet Jockey Watch Handicap over 1400m on Saturday represented his third win on the trot, and his second since joining the Lindsay Park training partnership of Ben, Will, and J D Hayes.Whispers...
Siena Grima takes premiership lead after Perfect Justice victory
Perfect Justice, trained by John Sargent, had been a bridesmaid in consecutive starts as the favourite but was once again backed into favouritism at $4.20 and delivered accordingly, running down The Mona Lisa in the Midway Handicap (1600m).This triumph marked Grima's 31st metropolitan win of the 2025/26 season, edging ahead...
Angels Fury lives up to early promise at Caulfield
The Ciaron Maher stable's expectations for Angels Fury are starting to be realised following her debut performances.Having graduated from a maiden event at Bendigo last month, the two-year-old filly captured the Sportsbet Race Previews Handicap (1100m) at Caulfield on Saturday and is now being considered for a Stakes race assignment.Under...
The Golden Eagle Joins Elite Group 1 Ranks in Australian Racing
The Australian racing landscape has seen a significant shift with The Golden Eagle now officially recognised as a Group 1 race, bringing the total number of elite contests to 77 for the 2026-27 season. This decision came alongside the confirmation that the Metropolitan, Victoria Derby, and Railway Stakes will retain...
Pinstriped's early return for Caulfield campaign
Pinstriped has been a regular fixture in the late winter weight-for-age races over recent seasons.However, after an extended break following his spring campaign last year, Pinstriped will aim to gain a fitness edge over his spring rivals by commencing his campaign first-up in the Sportsbet Fixed Odds Exotics Handicap (1400m)...
Bustling's Melbourne Focus After Sydney Setbacks
The Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr training partnership has signalled an intention to steer clear of Sydney racing with Bustling, preferring to keep the gelding competing in Melbourne.Bustling is slated to compete in the Group 3 Sir John Monash Stakes over 1100 metres at Caulfield this Saturday, marking his...
Secret Alliance set for maiden attempt at Morphettville Parks
The stable of Phillip Stokes is targeting a juvenile event at Morphettville Parks with the aim of securing a maiden victory for Secret Alliance.This daughter of Microphone is set to contest the Sportsbet Feed Handicap, a 1000-metre race on Saturday, which will be her second career start.Secret Alliance debuted at...
Imposant set for a winning farewell from racing
Trainer Kris Lees anticipates Imposant will retire from her racing career on a winning note at Royal Randwick this coming Saturday.Lees reported that Imposant is "going well" as she prepares for potentially her final race start in the Toyota Forklifts Handicap, a 1400-metre event."It seems like Imposant has been up...
Moon Sweeper to give apprentice Jett Newman a stylish Randwick farewell
Trainer Matt Dunn is hopeful that the talented Moon Sweeper can provide star apprentice Jett Newman with a memorable farewell winner in the TAB Highway Plate (1600m) at Royal Randwick this Saturday.Newman is set to transfer her indentures to the renowned stable of Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott, commencing her...
Third time lucky for Boniface in Randwick handicap
After two outings for new trainers Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr, former European galloper Boniface is primed to add to his win count.This is contingent on the gelding navigating what Kent Jnr described as a 'sticky draw' in the Precise Air Handicap (1800m) at Randwick this Saturday.Boniface achieved three...