Payne crosses fingers for run

MICHELLE Payne has urged Moonee Valley officials to forgive Kaspersky’s inglorious Australian debut and hand the import a slot in Saturday’s Cox Plate.

The Melbourne Cupwinning jockey said it would be a “dream come true” to partner Kaspersky in a David-and-Goliath mission against superstar Winx.

Payne insists the $81 shot is poised to improve dramatically on his Toorak Handicap 16thplace finish, but his fate rests with Moonee Valley Racing Club’s discretionary powers.

The club’s committee meets at 8.30am today — 30 minutes after final acceptances — to consider the merits of the runners to challenge Winx.

Trained by UK-based expatriate Australian Jane Chapple-Hyam, Kaspersky is among only six intending final acceptors so far for the $3 million weight-for-age championship. The others are $1.15 favourite Winx, Gailo Chop, Happy Clapper, Folkswood and Royal Symphony.

But the field could be boosted to 11 with Darren Weir’s Humidor, The Taj Mahal, Tom Melbourne, Abbey Marie and Seaburge still in the mix.

Payne says Kaspersky’s European record of 12 wins, including at seven Group or Listed level, should outweigh a dismal Caulfield display.

“I think he deserves a shot,” she said. “If there are going to be only six or seven in it, it would be crazy not to let him in because he’s got the ability.

“His first-up run here you forget because I think he looked after himself on the firm ground. We forgive it because there were so many circumstances around it. If they overlook that they might consider us, hopefully.”