Trainer David Payne has stated that his unbeaten filly, Proxima Dea, possesses superior staying ability compared to his former star mare Montefilia as they head towards the Group 1 $1 million Crown Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on Thursday.
Proxima Dea stands as the clear favourite for the classic fillies’ race following her commanding victory against male competitors in the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes at her last outing.
It’s worth noting that Montefilia also won the Spring Champion Stakes in 2020 and was heavily backed at $1.80 for the Oaks, ultimately finishing third behind Personal.
Payne is not only confident that Proxima Dea is better suited to the 2500m distance but also believes the tactics employed with Montefilia in the Oaks six years prior were misguided.
“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 name translates from Latin to ‘another goddess’, has had an exceptional debut preparation, maintaining her undefeated record across five starts and making a significant jump from maiden status to a Group 1 classic winner for three-year-olds.
Payne, a celebrated trainer with over 100 Group 1 victories to his name since commencing his distinguished career in South Africa over five decades ago before his successful relocation to Sydney in 2002, admitted that Proxima Dea’s rapid ascent through the racing ranks has taken 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.”
Despite Proxima Dea lacking prior experience racing in the Melbourne direction, Payne indicated that his filly has adapted with ease, handling left-handed gallops at Rosehill effortlessly.
“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 confirmed that Proxima Dea, who will be partnered by Sydney’s premier jockey Zac Lloyd for the Oaks, arrived in Melbourne on Monday and requires no further strenuous 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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