Montefilia to capture a slice of history in 100th anniversary of Ranvet Stakes

Montefilia is ready to equal the unique feat of former great Wenona Girl in the Group 1 $1 million Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday.

The Ranvet (formerly Rawson) Stakes was first run 100 years ago but only one mare has been able to win the race twice – Wenona Girl in 1961 and 1964.

The David Payne-trained Montefilia denied champion mare Verry Elleegant’s attempt to go back-to-back in the Ranvet Stakes 12 months ago and now she has her opportunity to make her own piece of racing history.

Payne maintains Montefilia is going as well this autumn as she was 12 months ago when she upset Verry Elleegant in the Ranvet.

“Montefilia has never been better, I would think she is at least as good as she was last year,’ Payne said.

“She did run in the Melbourne Cup last spring but didn’t have a hard run and she’s really well this autumn, she’s a stronger mare and back to her old self.’

Montefilia showed she wasn’t suffering from a “Cup hangover” with an outstanding comeback run in the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes when she ran on strongly to finish fifth behind champion Anamoe.

“I liked the way she hit the line the other day,’ Payne said.

“Dylan Gibbons rode her that day and he did nothing wrong on the mare, he rode her well. We could have got a senior jockey but young Dylan listens, he’s a good young rider and I’m happy to keep him on.’

Montefilia is at $6.50 in latest TAB Fixed Odds betting for the Ranvet behind last year’s Melbourne Cup winner Gold Trip at $3.90 favourite.

“You always worry about luck in running when racing against these quality horses but if she gets a nice run in the race, she will be very hard to beat,’ Payne added.

Montefilia been an outstanding mare since making her debut four years ago, contesting 24 races for six wins including four at Group 1 level, earning more than $2.7 million prizemoney.

Payne has carefully, managed Montefilia’s race preparations, rarely giving her more than four runs each campaign which has helped the rising six-year-old mare remain competitive at the top level right through her career.

“All going well, we will back up next week in the Tancred Stakes, that’s been the plan,’ Payne said. “But we will get through Saturday first, this is a very competitive race.’

Payne is also represented by tough stayer Raging Bull in the Group 3 $200,000 N.E. Manion Cup (2400m).

“Raging Bull is very fit and he will appreciate the 2400m,” Payne said. “This is another tough race but he will run well.”