Proxima Dea displayed impressive tenacity, leading from the outset and successfully fending off a persistent challenge from Defensemen to achieve a narrow victory in the Elite Sand And Soil Handicap, run over 1400 metres.
Despite being the outsider of the field at odds of $51, Proxima Dea’s tough performance was not a surprise to trainer David Payne.
“I think she’s going to make a good horse, she’s my Oaks filly for the spring,” Payne explained. “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 as Defensemen ($4.60) drew alongside and took the lead midway down the straight. However, Payne’s filly fought back on the inside to secure a deserved win. Woodenbridge ($8.50) encountered interference at the top of the straight and performed well to finish third, two-and-a-half lengths adrift, while the favourite Rumdabar ($3.10) struggled on the heavy track and finished fifth.
Jones remarked that Proxima Dea showed great determination when Defensemen made his run.
“She fought hard and really wanted to win,” Jones told Payne. “She’s only going to be better for the experience, too.”
With a pedigree suited to staying, Proxima Dea is by Tarzino from Invisible Coin, making her a full sister to the 2022 Queensland Oaks winner, Gypsy Goddess.
Payne manages a small string of horses at Rosehill, but the champion trainer always has quality stock, and he may now boast three highly promising three-year-old fillies in Proxima Dea, Krasina, and the exciting sprinter Bangkok Hottie.
“I will have a think about what we do with Proxima Dea but ultimately she’s out Oaks filly,” Payne stated. “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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