David Payne is too experienced and knowledgeable to worry about a seven-race winless streak for Montefilia heading into the Tancred Stakes at Rosehill on Saturday.
The five-year-old mare – with four Group 1 wins to her name – is too good a finisher over staying distances to be tied down for long.
Indeed, just because she hasn’t saluted since her Ranvet Stakes triumph on March 19 last year, it does not mean Montefilia has been struggling.
In fact, Payne – who has over 100 elite-level wins to his name in his native South Africa and Australia – has been happy with her recent form.
She has exhibited her strong finishing ability in both of her two races so far this preparation – the Ranvet Stakes (2nd) and Chipping Norton Stakes (5th).
That’s without mentioning her classy fourth place from barrier 15 in last year’s Caulfield Cup, storming home from well back and on the outside to finish a length off the winner, Durston.
This is why Montefilia, jumping from barrier nine, is a $6 chance across betting sites for her $1.5 million assignment over 2400m this weekend.
“She was unlucky in the Caulfield Cup,” Payne told HorseBetting.com.au.
“She was very unfortunate and she should have won it.
“That doesn’t worry me. Not at all.”
Payne has been impressed with Montefilia’s work leading into this weekend as she attempts to become a five-time Group 1 winner.
“She’s well. I can’t have her any better,” he said.
“As you know, she’s always got that good finish. She’s always doing her best work in the last couple of furlongs.
“We’re hoping it all goes well and she gets a bit of luck in running.”
On Thursday, Rosehill was rated a Good 4, but rain is forecast for Saturday.
That won’t worry Montefilia, who – with six wins from 25 starts – is a proven performer in all conditions.
“She handles all tracks, so it’s not an issue with her,” Payne said.
Talented apprentice rider Dylan Gibbons will be aboard Montefilia for the third time.
He was her rider for her two previous races this preparation.
“He’s (fourth on the New South Wales Metro) jockeys’ list, so that tells you something,” Payne said.
The trainer has only admiration for what Montefilia has done so far in her career.
“I’ve had better in South Africa, but she’s very good,” he said.
“She’s very honest and she’s got a very good record, and she’s been competitive all the way through.”
Tancred Stakes 2023 final field
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