The spring campaign of trainer David Payne is in full swing, marked by the talented filly Bangkok Hottie’s latest victory at Randwick. This achievement represents the veteran conditioner’s fourth Saturday metropolitan win in consecutive weeks.
Bangkok Hottie, a three-year-old, has now added the Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) to her earlier success in the Furious Stakes (1200m), which occurred two weeks ago. This winning streak for the stable began with Proxima Dea’s Midway Handicap win at Rosehill on August 29, and was followed by Persian Wonder’s triumph in the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) last weekend.
A celebrated figure in South African racing as both a jockey and trainer, Payne has a history of success with horses since his arrival in Australia. The 78-year-old expressed his deep satisfaction with his stable’s current form.
“I’m making a comeback,” Payne quipped. “You get nice horses, you look after them, they reward you.”
Under the guidance of jockey Kerrin McEvoy, Bangkok Hottie ($3.90) made a positive start from her midfield draw, tracking the early pace set by Rachini. She then surged to the lead in the straight, successfully holding off the challenge from Striking Alibi ($2.70 fav) by three-quarters of a length.
Global Goal ($7.50) also put in a strong finish to claim third place, another long neck behind the runner-up.
The connections of the first three placegetters are likely to target the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick in two weeks, and Payne is confident Bangkok Hottie will cope well with the increased distance.
“Not at all. She keeps winning, so who’s worried?” he said. “We didn’t want her that handy, but the way the track was playing, I said to Kerrin, ‘I’m leaving it to you’. And he does the right thing. I wish she could get a decent draw where she could be covered up. Maybe in the Flight Stakes, hopefully.”
James Mcdonald, who rode Striking Alibi, stated that his mount had “no luck” and performed commendably to finish second, setting up an exciting rematch with the winner in the final event of the four-race Princess Series. Check out the latest racing odds on Australian betting sites.