Warwick Farm Wednesday Racing: Trainer David Payne Eyes Wins with Bangkok Hottie and Hereward
Trainer David Payne is optimistic about Bangkok Hottie's chances in her second career start at Warwick Farm on Wednesday, following an educational debut in Group company. The filly finished fifth in the Kindergarten Stakes at Randwick, about 2-3/4 lengths behind Blue Door, after being scratched from a Gosford race due to a wide barrier. Payne described the run as a valuable learning experience, aimed at teaching her to settle for future mile races.
"It was a very good run, I said to the owner she wouldn't disgrace herself and I was very pleased with her," Payne said. "I wanted her to go back the other day to teach her. She's got speed but I wanted to get cover to teach her to settle because she's going to get a mile later on for sure."
Bangkok Hottie now contests the Hyland Race Colours Handicap (1200m), where Payne expects jockey Zac Lloyd to utilize a kinder barrier for a more forward position. A win could lead to a break before a return later in the season, with Payne labeling her a progressive type.
Hereward's Trial Misleading Ahead of Warwick Farm Return
Payne also discussed Hereward, who resumes in the Headwater @ Vinery Handicap (1600m). Despite a lackluster trial where he conceded ground, Payne insists the performance was by design and that the three-year-old is close to peak fitness. Hereward showed promise with successive wins last summer but struggled with anxiety in his last outing at Rosehill.
"He is an anxious horse, he gets himself worked up and that's what happened his last time out at Rosehill," Payne explained. "He got into such a state that he just melted, that's why we put him out. We've got to race him through it and teach him."
With only seven starts, Hereward remains a work in progress, but Payne believes the mile distance suits him and expects improvement.
Persian Wonder Targets Group 1 Champagne Stakes
Looking ahead, Payne plans to run Persian Wonder in Saturday's Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick. The gelding finished second in the Baillieu over 1400m on March 28, and Payne aims for a more conservative ride to leverage his strong finish.
"I think he's better left alone a little and he's got that devastating finish. He's looking for the trip so we have to test him then he can go to the paddock," Payne said.
Race-by-Race Preview for Warwick Farm Meeting
Selections are based on a good track. Tips provided by Ray Hickson.
Race 1 - 12:50PM KIA ORA BLOODLINES TO HEADLINES HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
3. St Gotthard is favored to win on debut after strong trials. A $2.7 million colt with a good draw, he's a full brother to Switzerland. Dangers: 6. Whitehall, 8. Peyton, 1. Lafite. How to play it: St Gotthard WIN.
Race 2 - 1:25PM HYLAND RACE COLOURS HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
1. Bangkok Hottie is expected to improve after a solid debut, with a better draw and extra distance. Dangers: 3. Capital Illusion, 6. Victorious Ruler, 8. Your Colour. How to play it: Bangkok Hottie WIN.
Race 3 - 2:00PM SCHWEPPES HANDICAP (1600 METRES)
6. Eynesbury has a chance from the outside if she gets a forward run. Dangers: 2. Above The Law, 4. Love 'N' Glory, 1. Freddie Bassett. How to play it: Eynesbury EACH-WAY.
Race 4 - 2:35PM RACING AND SPORTS HANDICAP (2400 METRES)
6. De Louviere is hard to beat with a weight swing and extra distance. Dangers: 2. Stylebender, 1. Casual Connection, 5. Autumn Winter. How to play it: De Louviere WIN.
Race 5 - 3:10PM TAB HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
5. Bryant is a good each-way chance with a back-to-follow run. Dangers: 11. Sanctified, 4. Hay Street, 7. Ready To Shine. How to play it: Bryant EACH-WAY.
Race 6 - 3:45PM ASAHI SUPER DRY HANDICAP (1200 METRES)
5. Surf's Up can bounce back on top of the ground. Dangers: 2. Rantan, 10. Hellabella, 11. Maquisa. How to play it: Surf's Up WIN.
Race 7 - 4:20PM VINNIE @ YARRAMAN HANDICAP (1100 METRES)
3. Miss Freelove resumes as a smart filly with a strong trial. Dangers: 6. Crepe Myrtle, 4. Golden Straand, 2. Skyglider. How to play it: Miss Freelove WIN.
Race 8 - 4:55PM HEADWATER @ VINERY STUD HANDICAP (1600 METRES)
2. Montpellier looks ready to win after two good runs, with the mile suiting. Dangers: 9. Hereward, 11. Strawberry Impact, 5. Dreams Come True. How to play it: Montpellier WIN.
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