Spring Cups Path for Payne's Montefilia

David Payne's dual Gr1-winning 3YO filly Montefilia (Kermadec-Bana Wu, by Shirocco) returned to the Rosehill stable of her trainer a few weeks back with her ultimate aim being this year's Spring Carnival staying races headlined by the Caulfield Cup (2400m) and a possible tilt at the Melbourne Cup (3200m). While successful over 1600m and 2000m at Gr1 level, the filly failed when stepped up further in trip, with many divided on her ability to get that longer trip, a facet that will come into play if she is to head towards a Cups path in the Spring. Payne is still adamant that she has the ability to get over a trip, and feels that in her staying failures, there were various factors against the top line filly. "I haven't given up on her staying. I'm going to put her in the Cups," stated Payne to Racenet. "I don't think she was suited in the Derby or the Oaks the way the races were run. I've always believed she's the type of filly that would improve again at four so I think there's still good things ahead."

Dual Group 1 winner Montefilia (pic: Steve Hart)