Michelle Payne back in the limelight at Flemington
MICHELLE Payne was back at Flemington celebrating the win of Tavi Bay exactly a year after winning on Prince Of Penzance in the Melbourne Cup.
The much-publicised jockey has been through the ringer since that famous win at Flemington, but she was back at headquarters giving the four-year-old mare a great ride to victory.
“Henry (Dwyer) prepared her beautifully first up, he’s a great young trainer,” Payne said. “He trialled her last week and Hell Or Highwater looked to have the better of her in the trial, but she improved off that.
“Henry was confident and we got the money so it’s great.”
Payne was able to sit on the back of Hell Or Highwater before coming off heels in the straight where the mare sprinted well.
“Speed was very slow early and I didn’t want to give away my spot. Got onto the back of Ollie (Damien Oliver), had a beautiful run, travelled really well and she’s the type of horse that doesn’t really like the whip.
“She really brought it out to the line.”
Trainer Henry Dwyer was pleased by the ride and also happy to get his first win during the Melbourne spring carnival.
“Terrific ride by Michelle there, as you would have seen,” Dywer said.
“Really big thrill, first winner I’ve ever had over Cup week.”
Tavi Bay last raced in the Group 1 Queensland Oaks where it finished eighth behind Provocative and this is a race Dwyer had planned out since it returned into work.
“We identified this race a long way out, we had it in the back of our minds for probably three months since we started the preparation. Gave her three solid trials, had her fitted up for this,” Dwyer said.
“She’s a terrific mare and I think she will go through to the open class mares grade and hopefully get some black type with her at some stage, at Tassie (Tasmania) or something like that.”
Tavi Bay paid $21 with Sportsbet with Spanner Head ($27) and Champagne Ready ($2.90) filling out the placings.
The disappointing run came from favourite Sea The Sparkle which was backed into $4.80 after opening at $13, but it sat three wide the trip and was never a chance.
The win was Michelle Payne’s only ride on Oaks Day.