Chris Waller and David Payne set for Flight Stakes clash with promising fillies

A compelling contest is brewing for the Flight Stakes at Randwick, as Rosehill neighbours Chris Waller and David Payne prepare to pit their talented fillies, Striking Alibi and Bangkok Hottie, against each other once more.

Bangkok Hottie has a perfect record against her rival so far, having clinched victory in both the Furious and Tea Rose Stakes. Nevertheless, Striking Alibi is positioned as the early favourite to turn the tables in the coveted Group 1 event on Saturday.

Waller is hopeful that the market has it right, but he also conveyed a sense of camaraderie, stating that he would be almost as pleased for his fellow Rosehill trainer to claim the major prize if his own charge doesn't prevail.

Hailing from South Africa, where he achieved significant success before embarking on a distinguished career in Australia, Payne is widely respected as a gentleman of the turf.

He has deliberately reduced the size of his stable to around 16 horses in recent times, yet this has not hindered his exceptional start to the season, marked by three stakes victories. Two of these wins belong to Bangkok Hottie, with Persian Wonder securing the third.

While both trainers operate from the Rosehill precinct, their paths at trackwork don't always intersect. However, Waller confessed to keeping a close watch on his competitor's activities each morning.

"He stays down in the stewards' tower, but I have a little look at him with the binoculars now and then, see what he's up to, because his horses are going terrific," Waller remarked. "He's an amazing horseman. He's a hard worker. If we don't win, I hope he does."

Striking Alibi, a product of Perth, has impressed in her two Sydney outings, launching strong finishes from well back in the field to place in the Furious Stakes (1200m) and the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m).

According to Waller, the filly has shown continuous improvement. He is certain that if she can manage the increased distance of 1600 metres in the Flight Stakes (1600m), she will be a genuine contender.

"She was awesome the other day. She just stepped away a little bit slow and because she was second-up, we were a bit reluctant to give her a message to recover quickly. It just put us in an awkward position, but she was great," Waller explained. "She has learned so much from each run."

The Waller stable will also be represented by De Armas, a Listed winner from New Zealand who made up ground late to finish midfield in her Australian debut over 1200 metres at Warwick Farm last month.

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