Trainer David Payne is developing another promising galloper in Bangkok Hottie, a recent winner at Randwick.
With a stable of only sixteen horses, David Payne may have unearthed his next Group 1 contender in Bangkok Hottie. The filly triumphed over a competitive field of her age group to secure the Furious Stakes at Randwick.
The three-year-old, who started at $8.50, displayed unexpected early speed to settle just off the pace-setter and Silver Shadow Stakes champion Pembrey. She then launched her run in the straight, holding off Chilly Girl ($4), the winner of the Rosebud, by a half-length.
Striking Alibi ($21), a former Perth filly, finished strongly from the rear to claim third place, a further neck behind, in what was a promising Sydney debut.
Payne mentioned he had discussed race tactics with jockey Kerrin McEvoy before the race. He wanted Bangkok Hottie to be positioned closer to the speed, a change from her previous start where she conceded too much ground when finishing second to Pembrey in the initial leg of the Princess Series. However, he indicated that a more conservative riding style would be employed when she contests longer distances in future races.
“We gave them a lot of start the other day and I said to Kerrin, ‘have her a bit handier today. We don’t want her in front, but a bit handier.’ He was just worried about getting her some cover,” Payne said.
Bangkok Hottie demonstrated her adaptability in achieving this victory. Payne confirmed her next engagement will be the Tea Rose Stakes over 1400 metres in two weeks, followed by the Group 1 Flight Stakes over 1600 metres two weeks thereafter, provided all goes well.
“She goes 14 (1400m in the Tea Rose Stakes) and then the Flight. We will be riding her a bit differently,” he said.
“She is fit now. She’s ready. I just hope all goes well.”
The winner’s stablemate, Krasina, also delivered an impressive performance to finish fourth. Payne is contemplating whether she will join Bangkok Hottie in the Tea Rose Stakes.
“I’ll see what the jockey says. We might. Why not?” Payne stated.
“But she has been up a long time.”
Pembrey, the $2 favourite, faded to finish sixth. Jockey Tommy Berry suggested that the mare might perform better when her races are spaced further apart.
“She raced very flat today,” Berry commented.
“The two week back-up obviously isn’t her go. I doubt you will be seeing her on the back-up again.”
For those keen to back the next contender in the Princess Series, consider exploring the latest Australian betting sites.