Shohisha's stunning win at Randwick highlights David Payne's mastery in training strategies
So, we shouldn't have been surprised when Payne produced another training masterclass when Shohisha won the Drinkwise Mile Handicap (1600m).
Payne's filly was jumping from 1100m straight to the tough Randwick 'mile' course and it seems most punters and form experts had put a line through her chances.
Shohisha drifted in betting to start the rank outsider at $15 in a competitive seven-horse field but she finished powerfully wide out to score an exciting win.
But Payne, who has trained over 100 Group 1 winners, didn't know what all the fuss was about.
'Shohisha has been looking for the mile, if it is in their genes, they will get the trip,' Payne said.
'It didn't worry me she was going from 1100m to 1600m because in South Africa and in England, that's the way they train.
'If you run a horse out of its comfort zone, they will struggle, it's common sense.
'I was a jockey and if you ride them in a 1000m race, you are pushing and pushing all the way.
'It's often a harder race than if you run them at 1400m or 1600m where they can settle.'
Only a length separated the first six over the line with Shohisha ($15), ridden by Tom Sherry, came from a clear last on the turn and arrived late to win by a nose from Pippie Beach ($13) with Piggyback ($5.50) a half head away third.
Where to look?! ðŸ'€
Four go to the line as one at Randwick, with Shohisha getting the bob in a thriller! @tomo_sherry @DPayneRacing @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/Yg8ENfzmll
â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 7, 2025
• Hidden Motive digs deep for narrow victory at Randwick
Favourite Miss Kim Kar ($2.10) ran fourth but was beaten by only 0.14 of a length.
Sherry admitted he was concerned about the slow early tempo set by Bright Red, ridden by Nash Rawiller.
'It's always a worry when you see Nash (Rawiller, Bright Red) in front,' Sherry said.
'There was not a lot of speed horses and he was taking complete control of the race but I still had confidence in my filly.
'Obviously, Mr Payne is a master at jumping them up massively in trip. From 1100m to 1600m is not an easy task.
'Off the slow tempo, I was able to utilise her turn of foot and I was extremely happy with her performance today.
'I have a lot of time for this filly, she has a great attitude. She attacked the line strongly, ran right through it, I'm sure she will get further and in better class, too.''
Shohisha improved her race record to three wins from just seven starts and although the filly obviously handles rain-affected tracks, Payne doesn't plan to keep her in training during winter.
What a win by Thunderlips! 😮 âš¡ï¸� @AnnaRoper_ on board for @BBakerRacing ðŸ'� @aus_turf_club pic.twitter.com/TRv0TuWzT9
â€' SKY Racing (@SkyRacingAU) June 7, 2025
• Dale ponders shot at Stradbroke with Front Page
'She's a nice filly and we will put her away for the spring now,'' he said. 'We will aim her at races like the Golden Pendant.'
Meanwhile, emerging apprentice Anna Roper had a contender for ride of the day as she drove Thunderlips through the pack to win the Asahi Super Dry Handicap (1400m).
Thunderlips ($5) burst between runners to score by a long neck and deny jockey Ash Morgan his fourth winner of the day on Anythink Goes ($21) with Wooloowin ($51) running an improved race for third, a long neck further back.
Trainer Bjorn Baker lauded Roper after the fast finishing win of Thunderlips.
'An excellent ride by Anna,' Baker said. 'She was able to overcome a wide gate and put him in a good spot.
'But he's a strange horse because it looks like he's only plodding but then he picks up late.'
Roper said 'everything went to plan' on Thunderlips until the field reached the 600m.
'He was completely off the bit at the 600m and I was worried he wasn't going to find anything,' Roper said.
'But when the gap opened up at the 300m he wanted to sprint through it. He's hard work but it's nice to get the win on him.'
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