Payroll chases cash
PAYROLL is heading back to the Gold Coast following an impressive Caulfield win, looking to improve on her previous result at the Magic Millions.
The Richard Lamingtrained mare took out the Listed Lord Stakes (1700m) yesterday and heads to the Gold Coast for the $1 million Magic Millions Trophy (2200m) in career-best form.
Payroll won the Group Three Eclipse Stakes (1800m) at Sandown last month and was freshened ahead of yesterday’s race, her lead-up to the Gold Coast on January 13.
Ridden by Damien Oliver, Payroll was sent off the $2.80 favourite and scored by 1¾ lengths from Jacquinot Bay ($5) with Coldstone ($5) a long-neck away third.
Payroll finished third behind Stratum Star in the Magic Millions Trophy earlier this year and Laming said she was a stronger and more mature mare this year.
“She’s taken a while to hit her straps and mature,” Laming said.
“She’s holding her condition well and racing well and to see her win like that and run the time shows she’s in form.”
With $1 million on offer, Laming said the stable deliberately bypassed the Ballarat and Pakenham Cups with the mare who is booked to fly to the Gold Coast on January 3.
He said that Payroll would gallop on the Gold Coast track on the Tuesday before the race, providing she arrived safely.
“With flights, you never know what can happen,” Laming said.
Oliver, who has ridden the mare four times for three wins, will again partner Payroll when they tackle the Gold Coast track.
“Well done to Richie and his team. They’ve got her going great and it’s all systems go to the Gold Coast,” Oliver said of Payroll.