The all-in quote on Montefilia in VRC Oaks 2020 betting for the spring is sure to shorten should the David Payne-trained filly come out and win at Randwick on Saturday.
Hungry Heart is the all-in favourite leading the latest 2020 VRC Oaks odds. Photo: Steve Hart.
Payne is confident he has a genuine contender for this year’s Group 1 $1 million VRC Oaks (2500m) at Flemington on November 5 during the Melbourne Cup Carnival in his Kermadec filly Montefilia.
The nicely-bred youngster officially turns three on Saturday, the opening day of the new racing season also marking the Horse’s Birthday around Australia, and Payne is keen to run her in a Benchmark 78 Handicap over 1800m for fillies and mares.
Currently the Randwick track is rated a Heavy (10), but despite the wet weather Payne is leaning towards an acceptance into the race with Montefilia who needs to get her rating up if she is to progress onto the VRC Oaks this season.
A winner on debut at Newcastle back in March, the filly ran a second-up fourth to Holyfield at Rosehill in Group 3 grade over 1400m before a freshen-up.
She raced fresh at the Kensington track in the wet on July 18 and crossed a brave third under a length beaten by highly-spruiked Press Statement filly Giovanna Run who trainer Chris Waller has targeting the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) this Sydney Spring Racing Carnival.
Payne is now hoping to frank the form out of that two-years-old handicap with his third placegetter, and is also looking forward to seeing how Montefilia handles the extra distance on the weekend should she run in the mud.
“If you look at the way the track was playing [that day], I think she was one of the best runs of the day,” Payne told AAP.
“She can only improve on that run.
“She’s very smart. I’ve got quite a high opinion of her. Her long-term aim is the Oaks.
“I just want to get her qualified and then I’ll give her a couple of weeks in the paddock and then program for that race, all going well.”
Current pre-nomination betting on the VRC Oaks at Ladbrokes.com.au lists Montefilia at $31 with odds led by Waller’s Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes winning Frankel filly Hungry Heart ($10).
For the full 2020 VRC Oaks odds (all-in) click here.
