Brisbane training duo Chris and Corey Munce are giving Payline every chance to claim Group 1 glory when he contests the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Moonee Valley on Friday night.
The gelding heads into the race off a strong Melbourne debut, where he finished fifth in the Group 1 Moir Stakes (1000m) at the same track on September 6.
That race was won by Baraqiel with Alabama Lass close up, both of whom return on Friday night. Others re-opposing include Skybird, Rothfire and Sir Sway, while fresh rivals Magic Time, Lady Shenandoah, Charm Stone and Ameena add further depth.
Corey Munce said the team could not have been more impressed with Payline’s effort in the Moir.
“It was an outstanding effort in a high-pressure race at this track over that distance,” Munce said.
“Ideally you need to be handier than what his normal racing pattern is, but he overcame that obstacle and to be beaten a length-and-a-half, first-up in a Group 1, we were really happy.”
Payline had a course look at The Valley prior to the Moir and returned on Monday for another gallop ahead of the Manikato. With the extra distance of 1200m and a smaller field, Munce believes the race should suit him better.
Despite trialling the sprinter in blinkers last week, the stable has opted against applying them in Friday’s feature.
“We worked him in blinkers last week and we elected to leave them off in his work on Monday just to see whether he had taken that step,” Munce said.
“Justin Huxtable, who rode him in the Moir, was on him, and he was happy.
“There was give in the track and while he wasn’t out to break any records, it was more about getting him to the track and getting the adrenaline going.
“He has worn blinkers in a race before and we put them on him sometimes in his work as he can be quite casual.
“He can work the house down, but as he’s getting a bit older, he’s starting to work it all out and he doesn’t have to overdo it in the morning.
“I think if we have some luck in running and his momentum is not stopped, he’ll run well.”
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