The Patrick Payne stable continued their hot form at the Tasmanian Summer Carnival with promising filly Wings Of Songs taking out the Listed Strutt Stakes at Hobart on Sunday.
Unbeaten in her two previous starts in Tasmania, Wings Of Song was sent out the second elect with the Waterhouse and Bott trained Very Sewreel starting the odds-on favourite.
Drawn the widest, it looked a tricky map on paper, but after a great beginning she raced far more prominently than many expected.
Ridden by Jye McNeil, she landed a good spot in the one-one and loomed ominously on straightening, before holding off a late charge on the line.
“She was brilliant today, got a fantastic jump which she hasn’t done before this campaign, when I’ve been on her anyway, McNeil said.
“It quickly eliminated the bad barrier, she relaxed beautifully and was very tough late.
“She got to them really easily and then perhaps just floated as the leader started to kick back and then as she felt Girls Girls Girls make a run at her, she really maintained her gallop to the line.
Melbourne Cup winning jockey Michelle Payne was on track to represent the stable and was very happy to make it two wins from as many runners, having won the Derby with Bold Soul on Friday night.
“The last 100m was a bit scary to watch but she got the job done and while the other one got very close, it was a really good effort by her,” Payne said.
“Jye rode her beautifully, obviously he and Patrick [Payne] are forming a good partnership and just great to see her get the win today.
“I know Patrick [Payne] will be very happy to get another win for Sandy Tait again in these colours, he was great for him during his riding career and he’ll be very happy again.”
