A conscious decision to dodge the best three-year-old fillies in Sydney and wait for a softer assignment could pay dividends when Shohisha chases black-type success in the Denise’s Joy Stakes at Scone.
The Gosford Guineas runner-up took on the best of her age group at the start of the autumn and was far from disgraced, finishing fifth to Lady Shenandoah in the Light Fingers Stakes (1200m).
However, rather than press on, trainer David Payne opted to pull up stumps and aim Shohisha at Saturday’s Listed feature.
“We didn’t want to chase those top fillies so we gave her a break and it has done her the world of good,” Payne said.
“She only got beaten a couple of lengths. We thought it was the right thing for the filly to give her a break, come back a rung.
“There is a Group race in her but she was young so we thought we’d let the others burn each other out and we’ll come back fresh hopefully.”
The winner of two of her five starts, Shohisha will have to shoulder top weight of 59kg but from a good draw in barrier two, Payne is banking on class carrying her through.
“She does have a bit of weight but she is racing lesser grade,” he said.
“She has come back well and she will be very competitive.”
Payne hasn’t locked in a plan for Shohisha beyond this weekend but if she can win the Denise’s Joy Stakes (1100m) the filly is likely to be given another break to prepare for bigger targets in the spring.
Payne will also have Highborn Harry in the Midway Handicap (1700m) and is hoping the wide expanses of Scone will be to the backmarker’s liking.
The gelding was scratched from a race at Kensington midweek in favour of Saturday’s assignment.
“It’s a nice big track which will suit him so he will be competitive,” he said.
Tom Sherry will partner both Payne-trained horses.
