David Payne’s successful spring racing campaign has continued at Randwick, with the promising filly Bangkok Hottie delivering his fourth Saturday metropolitan victory in as many weeks.
The three-year-old added the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) to her earlier win in the Furious Stakes (1200m) two weeks ago. This success continues a strong period for the stable, which started with Proxima Dea’s Midway Handicap win at Rosehill on August 29 and included Persian Wonder’s victory in the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) last weekend.
A renowned jockey and trainer in his native South Africa, Payne has consistently handled quality horses since his arrival in Australia. The 78-year-old trainer expressed his considerable enjoyment of his recent winning streak.
“I’m making a comeback,” Payne quipped. “You get nice horses, you look after them, they reward you.”
Guided by jockey Kerrin McEvoy, Bangkok Hottie ($3.90) broke well from her midfield draw and settled behind the leaders, Rachini. She then launched a powerful run in the straight to take the lead, holding off the challenge of Striking Alibi ($2.70 fav) by three-quarters of a length.
Global Goal ($7.50) also finished with vigour to secure third place, a further long neck behind the second horse.
The top three finishers are expected to meet again in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in two weeks, and Payne believes Bangkok Hottie will have no trouble with the increased 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 runner-up Striking Alibi, commented that his mount had “no luck” and performed admirably to finish second, setting up an intriguing rematch with the winner in the final leg of the Princess Series. You can find the best racing betting markets with these online bookmakers.
