A strategic move to avoid the toughest three-year-old fillies in Sydney may pay off for trainer David Payne, with Shohisha set to chase a valuable black-type victory in the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m) at Scone.

Shohisha competed well in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) earlier this year, finishing fifth to Lady Shenandoah before Payne chose to spell her and regroup for easier pickings.

“We didn’t want to chase those top fillies so we gave her a break and it has done her the world of good,” Payne said.

“She only got beaten a couple of lengths. We thought it was the right thing for the filly to give her a break, come back a rung.

“There is a Group race in her but she was young so we thought we’d let the others burn each other out and we’ll come back fresh hopefully.”

Now a two-time winner from five starts, Shohisha will carry 59kg but benefits from a favourable draw in gate two.

“She does have a bit of weight but she is racing lesser grade,” Payne said.

“She has come back well and she will be very competitive.”

If successful on Saturday, Payne is likely to give Shohisha another short break before mapping out a spring campaign.

Stablemate Highborn Harry will also take his place in the Midway Handicap (1700m), with Payne expecting the big Scone track to work in his favour after scratching him from a midweek race at Kensington.

“It’s a nice big track which will suit him so he will be competitive,” he said.

Tom Sherry has been booked to ride both runners for the stable.

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