David Payne to back up Montefilia in the Spring Champion

After rising stayer Montefilia caused a minor upset in the Group 1 Flight Stakes, trainer David Payne isn’t waiting long to provide its next test, with the weekend’s Spring Champion calling.

Hugh Bowman rode Montefilia to victory in the Flight Stakes. Picture: Getty Images

Gun three-year-old Montefilia has bounced through her Flight Stakes win and is ready to join an elite group of fillies to win Saturday’s Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick.

Only two fillies have won the Spring Champion Stakes with the second of those victories coming when the Mark Newnham trained Maid Of Heaven claimed the race in 2018.

Trainer David Payne confirmed on Monday the talented daughter of Kermadec would target her second Group 1 win in a week after showing no ill effects from last Saturday’s win.

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Montefilia had all the answers in the Flight Stakes at Royal Randwick. Picture: Getty Images

Montefilia caused a minor Group 1 shock when she ran down well supported favourite, the Chris Waller-trained Hungry Heart in the Flight Stakes

“At this stage we will back her up,” Payne said.

“She has pulled up well from the win on Saturday and we are really happy with her.

“She is fit and will have a bit of pace work on Thursday to get her ready for Saturday.”

Montefilia is a $3.50 second elect for the Spring Champion Stakes with TAB.com.au and will be ridden by Jason Collett in Saturday’s Group 1 with Hugh Bowman heading to Melbourne to ride.

Montefilia brings the upset in a thrilling edition of the @DarleyStallions Flight Stakes! pic.twitter.com/pkYIp6nlHJ

— Sky Racing (@SkyRacingAU) October 3, 2020

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Recent Gloaming Stakes winner Love Tap is the horse to beat in the feature at $2.80 with 19 horses nominating for the 2000m staying test.

Payne has always believed he had a staying filly on his hands and believes Montefilia will continue to improve as she gets over a trip.

Her win over the mile came as no shock.

“I fancied her because she was fit and ready to go after her run in the Tea Rose,” he said.

Payne will decide after the Spring Champion if he pursues a start in the VRC Oaks later in the spring.

Montefilia is on the second line of betting with the TAB at $13 for the Oaks with Instant Celebrity and Personal sharing top billing at $10.

Montefilia (right) had too much for the crack field on the weekend. Picture: Getty Images

Originally published as David Payne to back up Montefilia in the Spring Champion