Apprentice Jessica Payne has landed her first Flemington victory, winning on the Greg Eurell-trained Petite Diablesse.
Sent out favourite at $3.80, Petite Diablesse weaved her way through the field from the 300m before scoring a long-head victory over Calming Influence ($4) in The Building Engineering Handicap on Saturday.
Petite Diablesse’s victory was Payne’s third metropolitan success as well as her second win for Eurell.
“He (Eurell) has been supporting me through thick and thin and I have him to thank for it,” Payne said.
“I’ve only got a year left of my apprenticeship so I have to make the most the opportunities while I can.”
Eurell said he’s surprised Payne doesn’t get more opportunities in town.
Payne rode the Eurell-trained Hosting to victory at Sandown in September before that galloper went on to Listed success at Caulfield under leading jockey Kerrin McEvoy.
“Her strike rate has been great from the rides we’ve given her,” Eurell said.
“If she wanted to move this way we’d support her and give her every opportunity.
“She sits on well, she can read a race, has great hands and horses run well for her.”
