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Dual Group 1 winner begins path to Australian Oaks

Dual Group 1 winner Montefilia (Kermadec) will begin her Australian Oaks (Gr 1, 2400m) campaign in the Surround Stakes (Gr 1, 1400m) at Randwick on Saturday. 

A winner of the Flight Stakes (Gr 1, 1600m) and Spring Champion Stakes (Gr 1, 2000m) earlier in the season, the David Payne-trained filly could run in the Rosehill Guineas (Gr 1, 2000m) or the Coolmore Classic (Gr 1, 1500m) prior to her tackling the Australian Oaks.

"I’ve put her in everything, then we can decide where we want to go," Payne said.

"But the Oaks is where she will finish off.

"I think she's good. I don't think we've seen the best of her. She is a big, strong filly and she will win a few decent races."

Payne's gut instinct tells him she will again need further than 1400 metres to produce her best but such is Montefilia's class, he won't be surprised to see her win.

"Not on the way she has been working. She's been working really well," Payne said".

"But in my heart, I feel it's a bit short for her."