Michelle Payne continued her recent run of good form when Oubitsa and Smokin’ Princess made winning debuts in their respective races at Ballarat on Tuesday afternoon.
Three-year-old colt Oubitsa proved too strong in Race 2, a 1200-metre maiden, before Smokin’ Princess easily accounted for her rivals over 1500m in the next event, bringing up Payne’s 50th win as a trainer in the process.
The wins came fewer than 24 hours after the dual licence holder rode Sky Horse to victory at Mornington and Smokin’ Princess’ victory made it four triumphs from her past five runners.
Payne said the debut wins were rewarding.
“We just had to wait for them to catch up to themselves,” Payne said.
“Beautiful, big, well put-together horses, they carry themselves nicely. It’s all coming together now and I’m really happy.”
Oubitsa is owned by Iranian football star Sardar Azmoun, who is a staunch supporter of Payne’s small training operation.
“He owns Sky Horse (who won) yesterday, pretty sure he’ll be happy, and his father, who loves horse racing and his mum as well. It’s a great win for him,” Payne said.
Payne paid $70,000 for the son of Palentino at the Inglis Melbourne Gold Yearling Sale and has had to be patient.
“He’s a lovely, lovely horse that horse, I’ve been excited to get him to the races,” she said.
“He’s very lazy, but what we’ve seen of him is very good.
“He’s an absolute gentleman, we love him, he’s one of the nicest horses you’ll get to work with and I’ve loved him since day one.”
Payne said her daughter of Fastnet Rock, Smokin’ Princess, had shown signs of serious talent before her debut demolition job.
“She’s a beautiful horse, she feels like a machine,” Payne said.
“It’s a shame she’s nearly four because she could’ve been an Oaks filly. She’s three going on four, but well worth the wait again.
“Once she hit the straight, she was off and gone.”