Florida Was at His Top But Will Improve: Payne
- Monday, 12 August 2002 00:00
Leading Melbourne based heavyweight rider Patrick
Payne revealed that Star of Florida had nothing more to give, despite appearing to have a
lapful of horse in Saturday's Group Two San Domenico Stakes.Payne said the gelding was getting tired at the end of Saturday's race, but he felt the gelding would improve significantly at his next start.
Star of Florida, who'd made a dynamic start to his career in his home state of Queensland, was having his first start in Sydney in the San Domenico.
Payne reported yesterday that the Pat Duff trained three-year-old was one of the brightest prospects he had ridden for some time.
"He's a very exciting horse, there's little doubt about that," Payne said. "He worked hard right from the start of the race on Saturday and he was entitled to get a little tired near the finish."
"He was at his top at the finish," he added.
Meanwhile, Payne sent a warning to weight-for-age rivals that the Bob Thomsen trained Shogun Lodge was set to return to racing in great style.
Payne rode the talented gelding in an exhibition gallop between races in Sydney and he was impressed with the way he went.
"He's in really good shape," Payne said. "I'm really looking forward to riding him in the near future."
Shogun Lodge has been nominated to return in Saturday's Group Two $141,200 Premiere Stakes (1200m) at Rosehill, while Star of Florida is expected to next step out the Group Two $151,400 Up and Coming Stakes (1200m) at Warwick Farm on Saturday week. Star of Florida's connections have the option of sending the youngster to Melbourne for the Group Two $351,500 Ascot Vale Stakes at Flemington, two weeks after the Up and Coming.
PIC - Quentin Lang.