Victorian trainer Patrick Payne has made Tasmania his playground during the 2023/24 Ladbrokes Summer Racing Festival, and his success looks set to continue in Hobart this weekend.
Payne has brought Wings Of Song, Alhambra Lad and Bold Soul to Tasmania for feature wins this summer, and all three will likely be short odds to add more across Friday and Sunday.
Patrick Payne and siblings Michelle and Stevie were in Hobart on Tuesday morning to work his trio on the course proper.
"I'm very happy with all three." Patrick Payne said.
"We've had a lot of success so far with them, but I know things are going to get harder from here," the Group 1 winning trainer added.
Across a huge weekend of racing in Hobart, Payne will have Bold Soul entered on Friday in the Tasmanian Derby (2200m), while on Sunday, Wings of Song will run in the Strutt Stakes (2100m) and Alhambra Lad, the Hobart Cup (2400m).
The three horses have spent the last week at John Keys' Seven Mile Beach stables, having run under the watchful eye of Adam Trinder's team in the north of the state for their Tasmanian wins.
Payne confirmed that Jye Mcneil will return to Tasmania for the Wings of Song and Alhambra Lad rides, while Jake Noonan will partner Bold Soul in Friday's Derby.
Nominations closed for the Cup13 nominations have been received for Sunday's $300,000 Group 3 Ladbrokes Hobart Cup.
Seven interstate horses may potentially face the starter, headlined by the recent Summer Cup winner Alhambra Lad, who is $2.65 favourite in the Ladbrokes all-in market.
Ciaron Maher has nominated Wyclif ($3.60), while the 2022 and 2023 Launceston Cup winner Aurora's Symphony ($6), looks set to have his first Hobart start for trainer Symon Wilde.
Champion jockey Craig Williams is booked for the ride on the Jason Warren-trained Grand Pierro ($4.60), along with Girls Girls Girls in the Strutt Stakes.
Tasmania's best hopes of a locally trained winner are Ashy Boy ($12) and Swoop Dog ($14).
The barrier draw for Sunday's Hobart Cup will be conducted at Ladbrokes Park Elwick in Hobart from 10:30 on Wednesday morning.
