An opportunity to bank Sydney Saturday prizemoney ahead of an ambitious spring program convinced David Payne to give Bangkok Hottie one more run, and she dually delivered with an emphatic win at Randwick.
Payne indicated he would spell the filly after her last start victory in a midweek maiden at Warwick Farm but was swayed by her owner-breeder, long time stable client John Thompson, to roll the dice one more time.
“I was going to put her out and John said to me, “David, give her another run. Try to get some more stakes’,” Payne said.
“She can go out now. She is a very good filly.
“The Princess Series for the fillies (will be the goal). She’ll get a mile on her ear, so we’ll aim her for that.”
Ridden by Ash Morgan, Bangkok Hottie was well supported late to start a $3.90 bookmakers favourite and found a trail behind the speed before letting down resolutely to take out Saturday’s HMAS Sydney Handicap (1100m) by 2-1/4 lengths over debutant Keen To Exceed ($17) with Extremely Tempted ($4) a half-length away third.
Payne operates a boutique stable and is thrilled to have unearthed another galloper with stakes-class potential.
“Nobody wanted to ride her today. They will all be wanting to ride her now,” he said.
“She’s special. She is bombproof too, and she’s got a turn of foot.
“We don’t get many horses. We’ve only got twenty, so now we can at least take them on again.”
Thompson has been a long-term client of the Payne stable, the pair having enjoyed success with the likes of 2023 Group 2 Chelmsford Stakes winner Navajo Peak.
The four-race Princess Series kicks off in August with the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) and culminates with the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m).
