Cranbourne horseman Richard Laming has the Myer Classic 2017 firmly in his sights this coming Melbourne Cup Carnival for his progressive mare Payroll.
Jockey Jim Byrne rides 2017 Myer Classic-bound mare Payroll for her final winter run at Doomben over the mile on Saturday. Photo: Daniel Costello.
The four-year-old daughter of Not A Single Doubt chases her fourth career win at start number 18 this weekend on Tattersall’s Tiara Day in Brisbane, but not in Group 1 class.
Laming considered a shot at the $500,000 Group 1 Tattersall’s Tiara (1350m) at Doomben for the last start Listed Spear Chief Handicap (1630m) winner, but has opted for an easier option on the card.
He will keep Payroll at a mile as she chases successive Doomben wins at the distance in the $100,000 Listed G.H. Mumm Open Quality (1615m).
“She has gained a start in the Tatts’ Tiara but I think it might be a little bit short for her because she’ll get back and fly home so I think the mile will really suit her,” he told Racing Victoria on Tuesday.
“The way she worked this morning suggests she’s going to awfully hard to beat in that race and she’s very well weighted as a mare with 54kg.”
Kerrin McEvoy is booked for the ride on Saturday, the mare coming back from 56.5kg to 54kg as she takes on a class field that includes Chris Waller’s Wayne Wilson winner from Stradbroke Day Religify.
Looking further ahead Laming has big Melbourne Spring Racing Carnival plans for Payroll, who heads to the paddock after Saturday, which will include at least one elite level assignment.
“I’m a very patient trainer and I’m mindful that the spring is just around the corner so my main goal this preparation was to go quite light on her and that’s gone to plan,” he said.
“She’s only had two runs, this will be her third on Saturday and then she’ll go for a quick break and be back for the spring.”
He named the Group 1 Myer Classic (1600m) run at Flemington on Victoria Derby Day as the major spring target for Payroll.
“The way she won the other day, something like the Myer Classic wouldn’t be out of her league,” Laming said.
Her only Group 1 test to date was in the 2015 Thousand Guineas at Caulfield as a three-year-old.
Coming off a lead-up Group 2 second in the Thousand Guineas Prelude, she only managed to finish ninth behind Stay With Me in a race that also featured a second from subsequent 2016 Caulfield Cup winner Jameka.
To back Payroll in Brisbane on Saturday and to access the best early spring Group 1 racing odds head to Ladbrokes.com.au.
