Patrick Payne added to his flourishing resume on Monday, when 'It's A Dud' outstayed his opposition to win the Great Eastern Steeplechase
After landing his biggest win as a trainer with 'Capecover' in the Group 2 Adelaide Cup last month, Payne showed his versatility by securing today's prestigious 4950m jumping test.
Payne set It's A Dud a specific plan for this years edition of the race, after the seven year old ran an encouraging fifth to 'Pentacolo' in last years event.
The gelding indicated he was going well in the lead up to Oakbank carnival with a 2211m flat win at Balaklava, before running second to 'Frenzilian' in a 3250m Oakbank Steeple, both last month.
After running sixth in a 3600m flat event on Easter Saturday, It's A Dud gave Payne all the signs that he would run out the Great Eastern's 4950m marathon distance.
Ridden by Steven Pateman, It's A Dud wore down the John Wheeler trained 'Yamanaura' to score by 1-1/4 lengths.
Last year's runner-up 'Mephistopheles' faded late, but managed to finish 3-3/4 lengths away third.
The win was Pateman's second in the Great Eastern Steeple which he also claimed aboard Conzeal in 2008.
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