Trainer David Payne’s decision to sidestep Sydney’s top three-year-old fillies in the autumn could prove shrewd as Shohisha lines up in the Listed Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m) at Scone on Saturday.
Shohisha showed she was up to elite company when finishing fifth in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m), behind Lady Shenandoah, and followed that with a strong runner-up performance in the Gosford Guineas. But Payne decided to back off and set the filly for a slightly easier target.
“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.
“There is a Group race in her but she was young so we thought we’d let the others burn each other out and we’ll come back fresh hopefully.”
With two wins from five starts, Shohisha now faces a more suitable challenge and has drawn ideally in barrier two, though she will carry the top weight of 59kg.
“She does have a bit of weight but she is racing lesser grade,” Payne said.
“She has come back well and she will be very competitive.”
If Shohisha can claim black-type honours on Saturday, Payne may opt to freshen her again with an eye on spring targets.
Payne also saddles up Highborn Harry in the Midway Handicap (1700m), hopeful the spacious Scone track will play to the gelding’s strengths after scratching him from a Kensington race midweek.
“It’s a nice big track which will suit him so he will be competitive,” he said.
Tom Sherry will ride both Shohisha and Highborn Harry.
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