York to Replace Payne on Star of Florida

Tuesday, 13 August 2002 00:00

Leading Sydney jockey Brian York will partner boom Brisbane gelding Star of Florida in his next start after Patrick Payne told connections he would be unable to ride the youngster.

With trainer Patt Duff and the horse's Florida based owner electing to run the gelding in the Group Two Up and Coming Stakes in Sydney on August 24, they were forced to find a new rider.

Payne was stuck by a prior arrangement to ride the Colin Alderson trained stayer Sky Heights when he resumes in Melbourne on the same day.

On Saturday Star of Florida and Payne teamed up for a strong win in the San Domenico Stakes in Sydney.

Payne said on Sunday the gelding, who's already suffered a bleeding attack, is a very promising galloper.

"He's a promising horse, there's little doubt about that," Payne said. "He has such a high cruising speed."