A gamble on the raw ability of Master Of Design paid handsome dividends for his owners on Saturday when he pounced late to score an upset win in the Group One TJ Smith Stakes.
The impeccably-bred entire, a son of Redoute’s Choice, was bought for $2.1 million as a yearling but chronic problems thwarted his racetrack career, leading Darley to sell him to his current syndicate of owners for just a tenth of that price.
They knew Master Of Design would set himself up for a lucrative stallion career if he could snare a Group One, which he did at Randwick on Saturday.
For David Payne, who only took over the six-year-old’s training last winter, the victory in the 1200m sprint was extra satisfying given the work he has put in to keep him sound.
It was the former South African’s first Group One victory since Unearthly claimed the Flight Stakes in 2003.
“His feet, joints. You name it and he’s had a problem there,” Payne said.
“He’s not a horse you can gallop.
“When they’re a crock and you nurse them back, it makes a difference when you win.”
While no stallion deal has been finalised for Master Of Design, Payne expects the studs to be on the phone this week.
He said it was great to snare an elite win after Master Of Design was luckless first-up in the Oakleigh Plate.
“We’ve been trying to win this Group One with him and he’s knocked off the big guns today,” Payne said.
Master Of Design was coming off a third in the Sebring Stakes and was specked in betting from $41 to start $31.
Craig Williams settled him at the back of the small field and chimed in down the outside to just collar leader Rain Affair ($2.70) on the line, denying the speedster his maiden Group One victory by a long head with Hallowell Belle ($18) the same margin away third.
Rain Affair’s trainer Joe Pride was proud of his effort and said the gelding would be given another chance at the top level this campaign.
“He was gutsy,” Pride said.
“We’ll see how he pulls up. Brisbane is ahead. I’d like to see if we can win a Group One with him this preparation so there is the All-Aged in two weeks as well.”
Gai Waterhouse was equally rapt with the effort of Hallowell Belle, who didn’t have much room in the straight.
“She’s a very good filly. I think she’s coming of age and I think she’ll improve again when she has a break, although I’m not sure when that will be just yet,” Waterhouse said.
Nash Rawiller, rider of Foxwedge who finished last, felt the colt may have jarred up on the firm track.
“He didn’t feel comfortable in his action,” Rawiller said.
