Renowned trainer David Payne has declared his unbeaten filly, Proxima Dea, a superior stayer to his former stable star Montefilia as they gear up for the Group 1 $1 million Crown Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on Thursday.
Proxima Dea is the dominant favourite for the fillies’ classic following her convincing defeat of male rivals in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at her previous start.
It is noted that Montefilia also won the Spring Champion Stakes in 2020 and was the $1.80 favourite for the Oaks, ultimately finishing third behind Personal.
Payne is not only confident that Proxima Dea is better equipped for the 2500m but also believes the tactics employed with Montefilia in the Oaks six years ago were incorrect.
“I think Proxima Dea stays better,” Payne said.
“But in fairness to Montefilia, I think we rode her upside down in the Oaks. If we had ridden her quietly, she probably would have won.
“We know this filly (Proxima Dea) stays and we can ride her anywhere really but I would like her to be in the first three or four in the run.”
Proxima Dea, whose Latin name translates to ‘another goddess’, is in her debut preparation and has achieved a remarkable feat by remaining undefeated from five starts, making the significant leap from maiden status to a Group 1 classic winner for three-year-old fillies.
Payne, who has trained over 100 Group 1 winners throughout an outstanding career that began in South Africa over five decades ago before his successful move to Sydney in 2002, admitted that Proxima Dea’s rapid ascent through the ranks has caught him by surprise.
“She is nothing to look at but she does have a lovely action,” Payne said. “And she’s a natural stayer, she recovers so quickly after her gallops and races.”
Although Proxima Dea lacks experience racing in the Melbourne direction, Payne indicated that his filly has adapted easily, having galloped left-handed at Rosehill.
“I’ve galloped her the reverse way a few times now and I did give her a strong piece of work (Saturday morning),” Payne said.
“It wasn’t a worry in the world for her, she handled it easily.”
Payne stated that Proxima Dea, who will be ridden by Sydney’s leading jockey Zac Lloyd in the Oaks, was transported to Melbourne on Monday and will not need any further fast work before the major race.
“She’s very fit, I can’t have her any fitter- she’s ready now,” Payne said.
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