Proxima Dea demonstrated considerable resolve, leading from start to finish and fending off a persistent challenge from Defensemen to secure a tight victory in the Elite Sand And Soil Handicap over 1400 metres.
Despite being the rank outsider at $51, Proxima Dea’s tenacious win did not surprise trainer David Payne.
“I think she’s going to make a good horse, she’s my Oaks filly for the spring,” Payne stated. “The plan was to lead today and make them try and run her down. She’s tough and she will stay – her stamina kicked in when the other horse came at her.”
Ridden by Reece Jones, Proxima Dea ($51) appeared to be under pressure when Defensemen ($4.60) drew level and took the lead halfway down the straight. However, Payne’s filly responded on the inside to claim a hard-earned win. Woodenbridge ($8.50) encountered traffic issues at the top of the straight and performed admirably to finish two-and-a-half lengths behind in third. The favourite, Rumdabar ($3.10), struggled in the heavy track conditions, finishing fifth.
Jones commented that Proxima Dea was unwilling to concede defeat when Defensemen mounted his challenge.
“She fought hard and really wanted to win,” Jones told Payne. “She’s only going to be better for the experience, too.”
Proxima Dea boasts a staying pedigree, being by Tarzino out of Invisible Coin, making her a full sibling to the 2022 Queensland Oaks winner, Gypsy Goddess.
Payne maintains a select team at Rosehill, but the esteemed trainer consistently prepares a capable horse, and he may now have three highly promising rising three-year-old fillies in Proxima Dea, Krasina, and the exciting young sprinter Bangkok Hottie.
“I will have a think about what we do with Proxima Dea but ultimately she’s out Oaks filly,” Payne confirmed. “Bangkok Hottie is back in work and we will aim her at the Princess Series (Silver Shadow Stakes, Furious Stakes, Tea Rose Stakes and Flight Stakes) in the spring. “And don’t forget about Krasina, she’s another very talented filly. It’s nice to have some good ones going into the new season.”
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