Trainer David Payne has taken a strategic approach with Shohisha, opting to avoid Sydney’s top three-year-old fillies and target Saturday’s Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes at Scone.

The Gosford Guineas runner-up made a solid showing in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m), finishing fifth to Lady Shenandoah, but Payne decided a break would benefit the filly.

“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.”

Shohisha, who has won two of her five starts, will carry top weight of 59kg, but with barrier two, Payne is confident her class will prevail.

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

Payne also has Highborn Harry in the Midway Handicap, hoping the expansive Scone track suits the gelding’s style. Tom Sherry will ride both horses.