Return for Montefilia in Chelmsford Stakes

Trainer David Payne has indicated that his dual Gr1 winner Montefilia (Kermadec-Bana Wu, by Shirocco) is likely to make her seasonal return in the Gr2 Chelmsford Stakes (1600m) on September 4 at Randwick. Successful in the Gr1 Flight Stakes (1600m) and the Gr1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at three, Montefilia went on to finish third in the Gr1 VRC Oaks (2500m), and off the back of her staying prowess, will be aimed toward this season's Gr1 Caulfield Cup (2400m). Some query her ability to run out a strong 2400m, the distance of the Caulfield Cup, but Payne is adamant that she is more than capable of producing her best at the distance. "If you look at her, she never had things going for her (in the autumn). Both those staying races were a crawl," he said. "She has got a nice finish (when the tempo is on). She is a much stronger filly now. I am very happy with her." Purchased as a weanling for $62,000 at the Inglis Great Southern Sale & subsequently sold from the draft of Tyreel Stud for $130,000 at the Magic Millions Yearling Sale, the record of the 4YO mare to date clearly highlights her within an elite echelon of mares currently racing. Montefilia was the highest-ranked Group 1 Black Type 3YO Premiership performer in 2020-21, and upon her retirement from the track will no doubt command significant buyer interest if she were to be offered at public auction.

Montefilia won two Group 1s as a 3YO (pic: Steve Hart)