Signup to Ladbrokes

Races.com.au Favourite Bookmaker!

SPRNGC

Copy Signup Code

Code for tracking purposes only

Chances are you're about to lose.

For free and confidential support call 1800 858 858 or visit gamblinghelponline.org.au

David Payne’s exciting filly Proxima Dea continued her rapid rise through the three-year-old ranks at Rosehill on Saturday, remaining unbeaten with a determined victory in the 2026 Gloaming Stakes results and putting herself firmly on course for a crack at the Group 1 $2 million Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on October 24.

Sent out the $4 favourite in this year’s Group 3 $500,000 Gloaming Stakes (1800m), the daughter of Tarzino was made to earn her fourth straight victory, producing another gritty finish under Zac Lloyd to edge out Chris Waller’s Wonka by a short neck, while Scarole was only a short half-head away in third after a tightly contested finish.

Stopping the clock in 1:50.52, Proxima Dea again showcased the toughness that has become her trademark, overcoming a slowly run race that was far from ideal before proving too strong late.

The victory extended a flawless record that now reads four wins from four starts and further enhanced her credentials as one of the leading contenders for the 2026 Spring Champion Stakes later this month.

Payne was full of praise for his talented filly, highlighting her determination and suggesting even better performances are still to come as the distances increase.

“That’s her, she is so game and just keeps coming,” he told Sky Thoroughbred Central.

“She doesn’t know when to give up. She will even be better once you go further. She is nothing to look at. When you look at her everyone bags her, me included.

“The owner says ‘she is beautiful’ and I say ‘where, she is ugly’. But she has guts.”

With the Spring Champion now the clear target, Payne believes the filly still has improvement left after enjoying a freshen-up between runs.

“She has had a bit of spell between runs and there is improvement to come for the Spring Champion,” he added.

Lloyd was equally impressed by Proxima Dea’s will to win, comparing her physical makeup to former top-class staying filly Zardozi while noting her remarkable competitiveness.

“She’s so narrow. She reminds me a lot of Zardozi in stature, but she just tries her hardest, and winners win. She knows how to win,” the winning jockey said.

The young hoop indicated he is likely to remain in Sydney for the Spring Champion Stakes rather than head to Flemington on Ladbrokes Cox Plate Day.

“I think I’ll stay here. I thought you were saying her in the Cox Plate, and I was going today, she’ll get about 41 kilos,” Lloyd said.

Looking ahead to the Group 1 feature over 2000m, Lloyd believes the extra distance will play perfectly into the filly’s strengths.

“She will be in with a great chance,” he confirmed.

“That race today was not run to suit her at all. They went very steady; I got onto heels into the first bend. I wasn’t as smooth as I would have liked and I can do a better job in the Spring Champion or the Oaks, so for her to still win, she’s just so strong late.

“She is going to eat up 2000 and eventually an Oaks trip. Very exciting for her.”

Lloyd also paid tribute to Payne’s renowned ability to develop staying horses.

“You never doubt him. My dad has told me all along, you never doubt what he does and you just follow along, so it’s a pleasure to ride for him,” he said.

The Gloaming Stakes has long been regarded as a key lead-up to the Spring Champion Stakes, and bookmakers were quick to react to Saturday’s performance with Ladbrokes slashing Proxima Dea’s Spring Champion Stakes 2026 odds from $15 into $5, elevating her into the upper echelon of the market for the $2 million Randwick feature.

Shadow Hero (2019), Sharp ‘N’ Smart (2022) and El Castello (2024) are the latest horses to complete the Gloaming Stakes – Spring Champion Stakes double.

She could also then stretch out over further for a potential Melbourne Cup Carnival bid in the Group 1 $1 million VRC Oaks (2500m) on November 5 at Flemington.

Proxima Dea has firmed notably from $15 to $5 in futures VRC Oaks 2026 odds at Ladbrokes.

With an unbeaten record, a powerful staying pedigree, and a trainer renowned for preparing classic horses, Proxima Dea now shapes as one of the most exciting three-year-old fillies of the spring. If Saturday’s tenacious Rosehill victory is any guide, the progressive youngster looks poised to make her presence felt in the Group 1 ranks when she steps up to 2000 metres in the Spring Champion Stakes later this month.

2026 Gloaming Stakes Results