Michelle Payne is convinced her favourite horse Yosei has more big-race wins in her.
And the jockey hopes the mare proves it on Saturday over a course and distance where she’s already been successful at racing’s highest level.
Yosei lines up in the Group One Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm, looking to win for the first time in almost two years since her victory in the Tattersall’s Tiara at the same track.
Payne believes the five-year-old has returned “as well as ever” this campaign and expects her to be near peak fitness after three runs back from a spell.
“She drops down to 53-1/2 kilos which will really suit her and she’s had a few runs in now so she should be peaking, fitness-wise,” Payne said.
“She has won at the distance at that track and I’m just looking forward to seeing how she goes.”
Yosei returned from a spell with a third in the Group One Robert Sangster Stakes (1200m) in Adelaide in April and was then held up for a run at a crucial stage when 10th second-up in The Goodwood at Morphettville.
The three-time Group One winner was beaten more than six lengths in her first appearance at this year’s Brisbane winter carnival, finishing ninth in the weight-for-age Doomben 10,000 (1350m) two weeks ago.
Payne said the frantic tempo in the 10,000 had Yosei out of her comfort zone.
“They were really hiking along early, they ran it more like an 1100-metre race,” the jockey said.
“She just got run off her legs but hit the line strongly, and I’m really happy how she is progressing through her preparation.”
Yosei is at $35 in Stradbroke betting.
