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David Payne doesn’t expect Navajo Peak to fill the void left by the departure of multiple Group 1 winner Montefilia, but he does think the improving stayer has the potential to emulate a deed accomplished by his former stablemate.
Recently sold as a racing and broodmare prospect, Montefilia's big race wins included the 2021 The Metropolitan (2400m) and David Payne has his sights on the same race with Navajo Peak.
In that vein, the four-year-old will head for a spell regardless of his performance in Saturday's Listed Lord Mayors Cup (2000m) at Rosehill where Payne hopes Navajo Peak can lay a marker for the spring by posting his first black-type win.
"This will be his last run. He will go to the paddock after this," Payne said.
"He's very well but I want him for the carnival because with a light weight, I think he could perform in some of the staying races.
"He'll go 2400 quite comfortably and in the Metropolitan with a light weight, he could be competitive."
Navajo Peak is in just his second preparation for Payne and is yet to finish further back than fifth in 11 runs for the stable.
A Doomben winner in March, Navajo Peak was just edged out by Marsabit at Rosehill last month before finishing second to Esti Feny in the Gosford Gold Cup (2100m) when he was shuffled back approaching the home turn and had to hook wide in the straight to make his run.
Given he has drawn awkwardly at his past three starts - overcoming the outside gate at Doomben then jumping from 12 of 13 at Rosehill and barrier six of nine at Gosford - Payne is relieved he has the inside in the capacity 18-horse Lord Mayors Cup field.
"He never draws a barrier the poor horse so at last he's finally drawn one," Payne said.
"If you look at his form, he steps up every time we run him.
"He's as honest as the day is long."
Apprentice Reece Jones rides Navajo Peak, who is a $5 favourite in an open betting race ahead of Gosford Cup third placegetter Bois D'Argent at $6.50 with the Chris Waller pair of Thalassophile and Wicklow sharing the third line of betting at $7.
Navajo Peak will be one of up to four Rosehill runners for Payne along with Tympanist and Sweet Mercy in the Midway Handicap (1400m) and Bazooka, an emergency for the Precise Air Handicap (1500m).
The latter is resuming and Payne is glad to see the consistent gelding back for another campaign.
"He's been a hell of a money-spinner for the stable. He's won half a million in stakes and he only cost $14,000," Payne said.
"He'll be competitive if he gets a run."