Canterbury alert for Payne’s colt after flying third in debut performance Tarka no longer a secret

TARKA may have got under the guard of punters on debut but trainer David Payne says he’s one to keep an eye on at Canterbury today.

The All Too Hard colt, who lines up in the TAB. com. au Plate ( 1550m) today, showed off his talent on debut at Warwick Farm on May 16 when flying home along the rail to finish a head behind Pembroke Castle in third spot.

Payne said he had thrived in his stables since the run and the jump from 1400m up to 1550m was ideal.

“He’s a nice horse,” said Payne, who also has Commentator on debut in the same race.

“Tarka didn’t have a setback – he just had a bit of ringworm which we had to clear up. We’ve done that and his fitness levels are good.”

Payne was not surprised by his first- up run and said he and the horse go into today’s race more confident.

“I thought he’d run a nice race on debut but I didn’t think he’d be that close,” Payne said.

“He only got beaten by a head and I knew he’d be running on strongly.

“He was a little bit unlucky that day, too.

“He got a bit held up for a while so it was good effort.

“He’s definitely improved from the experience and I’ve been able to put a little bit more work into him, which has switched him on.”

Tarka was ridden in his debut by James McDonald, but with the Kiwi riding at Royal Ascot, apprentice Jean Van Overmeire is in the saddle today.

Payne said he was not losing anything by giving the young man the job as he believes Van Overmeire has what it takes to become one of Sydney’s leading riders when he comes out of his apprenticeship.

“He’s very capable and I think he’s going to make it. He sits nice on a horse and is strong, so I think he’s going to hold his own.” Tarka starts from gate one. “I’d like him to be in the box seat,” Payne said.

“He’s got a nice draw, so it’s all there for him. He’s just got to produce it and he’ll be hard to beat.

“He’s not an overly big horse, so I thought I’d take the two kilograms off. That won’t do him any harm.”

While Tarka is Payne’s leading contender in the race, he’s keen to see what Commentator can do on debut.

The Poet’s Voice chestnut has had five trials since last November and Payne said he would be coming home late.

Payne has had plenty of success with staying juveniles during the past year, with Ace High the standout, and he’s not worried about Commentator’s ability to handle a firstup run over 1550m.

“He’s bred to stay all day, being out of a Cape Cross mare, so there’s so much stamina there,” he said.

“That’s why I’m kicking him off over the 1550m, to give him experience and to see what we’ve got.

“We always knew he was going to get a trip, so I’ve taken my time with him to educate him. I still think he’ll be a bit green.”