3 minute read

French Group 3 winner to kick off in the Luskin Star Stakes.

David Payne is hoping to learn more about French Group 3 winner Thorin (Soldier Hollow) when he makes his Australian debut in the Luskin Star Stakes (Listed, 1300m) at Rosehill on Saturday. 

A winner of four of his seven starts when trained in Germany by Henk Grewe, including the Prix Daphnis (Gr 3, 1600m) on August 22 at Deauville, Payne is not expecting the gelding to get the better of hot favourite Lost And Running (Per Incanto), but he is hoping to show some positive signs for the future. 

"I saw his last run on video where he won a Group 3 in France, at Deauville. I don't know what kind of field it was," Payne said. 

"He looks a nice horse but this is his first prep and these imported horses are better at their next prep. 

"They've got to acclimatise so we want to give him a couple of runs this prep and see what we've got." 

Thorin shaped well in his only barrier trial at Rosehill when he showed good gate speed and hit the line under his own steam for third to In Good Time (Time Thief). 

If he can hold his own on Saturday, he could earn a trip to Brisbane for The Wayne Wilson (Listed, 1600m) next month. 

"We're happy with his progress at this stage," Payne said. 

"I just want him to run a forward race because I've got a race in mind in Brisbane if he races forward enough."