Bangkok Hottie will attempt to complete a dominant Princess Series campaign when she chases her first Group 1 victory in Saturday’s $750,000 Flight Stakes (1600m) at Randwick.
The David Payne-trained filly heads into the mile feature after winning both the Furious Stakes (1200m) and Tea Rose Stakes (1400m), putting her in position to emulate Apocalyptic’s achievement from last year.
Bangkok Hottie has also contested the Silver Shadow Stakes this preparation, finishing behind Pembrey before progressing through the remainder of the Princess Series.
“We always thought she would be a good miler and now the time has come to deliver,’’ Payne said.
“Every time she runs they all look for everything to beat her. It’ll be a good test.
“She’s got a good barrier so she doesn’t have to bounce and get over, she can do it easier.
“She’s very professional, she does everything right, and everything you want her to do she does.”
Payne is already a two-time winner of the Flight Stakes, having prepared Unearthly to victory in 2003 and Montefilia in 2020.
Bangkok Hottie has raced outside the leader from awkward barriers in each of her past two victories, but Payne would prefer Kerrin McEvoy to find cover on Saturday rather than having to make the running.
“You don’t want to lead, it’s not necessary, and the slower they go the better,’’ he said.
“It’ll be a tactical race and I’ll leave it to Kerrin (McEvoy) and we’ll go from there, we’ll look for cover if possible.”
Bangkok Hottie was a $3.20 chance with TAB on Friday and will be having the fifth and final start of her spring campaign.
The filly does not officially turn three by her birthdate until October 19, prompting Payne to resist the temptation of extending her preparation to the Group 1 Thousand Guineas.
“It’ll be her last run, it’ll be her fifth run this prep, it’s tempting to go to the Thousand Guineas and I said to the owner she’s young and you don’t want to overdo it,’’ he said.
“I think she will be better in the autumn, she’s a strong filly who has done everything we’ve asked her to do so I think she can only get better.”
Payne has trained 10 Group 1 winners in Australia but is yet to win one for Bangkok Hottie’s owner John Thompson, who has supported the trainer since his arrival from South Africa in 2002.
“If it happens it would be wonderful. He’s been really good to me, really loyal, and always supported me,’’ he said.
Meanwhile, Payne said there was no consideration given to adding unbeaten filly Proxima Dea to the Flight Stakes despite the prospect of a small field.
She will instead remain on her planned path towards next week’s Gloaming Stakes (1800m).
