Trainer David Payne has a promising prospect in Bangkok Hottie, following her recent victory at Randwick.
With a stable comprising only sixteen horses, David Payne may have identified his next Group 1 aspirant in Bangkok Hottie. The filly has triumphed over a strong field of fillies to secure the Furious Stakes at Randwick.
The three-year-old, sent off at $8.50, demonstrated impressive early speed to settle just off the pace-setter and Silver Shadow Stakes winner Pembrey. She then took the lead in the straight and held off Chilly Girl ($4), the Rosebud winner, by a half-length.
Striking Alibi ($21), a former Perth-based filly, finished with a strong run from the back to claim third place, another neck behind, marking a promising Sydney debut.
Payne revealed he spoke with jockey Kerrin McEvoy prior to the race about positioning Bangkok Hottie closer to the action. This was a change from her previous start, where she conceded too much ground when finishing runner-up to Pembrey in the opening leg of the Princess Series. He indicated, however, that a more conservative approach would be adopted when she tackles longer distances in her subsequent 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 showcased her adaptability in achieving this win. Payne confirmed her next outing will be the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) in a fortnight, followed by the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) two weeks after that, assuming favourable conditions.
“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 produced an eye-catching run to finish fourth. Payne is considering whether she will join Bangkok Hottie in the Tea Rose Stakes.
“I’ll see what the jockey says. We might. Why not?” Payne remarked.
“But she has been up a long time.”
Pembrey, the $2 favourite, faded significantly to finish sixth. Jockey Tommy Berry suggested that the mare might perform better with more time between runs.
“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.”
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