Payne's Bangkok Hottie claims Tea Rose Stakes
David Payne's stable is experiencing a remarkable spring resurgence, highlighted by the filly Bangkok Hottie's victory at Randwick last Saturday. This marks the veteran trainer's fourth metropolitan Saturday win in successive weeks.
The three-year-old added the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) to her impressive record, following her win in the Furious Stakes (1200m) two weeks prior. This sequence of wins for the stable commenced with Proxima Dea's Midway Handicap success at Rosehill on August 29, and was bolstered by Persian Wonder's win in the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) the preceding weekend.
A celebrated jockey and trainer in his native South Africa, Payne has a long history of success with horses since his relocation to Australia. The 78-year-old trainer conveyed his deep satisfaction with the current winning streak.
"I'm making a comeback," Payne quipped. "You get nice horses, you look after them, they reward you."
Ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, Bangkok Hottie ($3.90) executed a strong start from her middle barrier, settling just off the speed set by Rachini. She powered to the lead in the latter stages of the race, fending off the challenge of Striking Alibi ($2.70 fav) by a margin of three-quarters of a length.
Global Goal ($7.50) also demonstrated a strong finish to claim third position, a further long neck behind.
It is anticipated that the first three placegetters will renew their rivalry in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in a fortnight. Payne expressed confidence in Bangkok Hottie's ability to handle the extended distance.
"Not at all. She keeps winning, so who's worried?" he said. "We didn't want her that handy, but the way the track was playing, I said to Kerrin, 'I'm leaving it to you'. And he does the right thing. I wish she could get a decent draw where she could be covered up. Maybe in the Flight Stakes, hopefully."
James Mcdonald, the rider of Striking Alibi, commented that his mount had "no luck" and performed exceptionally well to secure second place. This sets up an intriguing rematch with the winner in the final race of the Princess Series. Explore the best online bookmakers for your racing bets.
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