Racing: Cellarmaster takes shot at Christmas Stakes

Cellarmaster. Photo / Christine Cornege

Trainer Patrick Payne will have a second-up shot at Monday's Christmas Stakes with Cellarmaster even though he believes the listed race is slightly short of his best distance.

The Dubawi 4-year-old ran an encouraging race first-up when fourth, just 1 lengths from the winner, Translation, over 1200m at Flemington on December 10.

But Payne believes 1400m might suit him better these days.

"The race was controlled pretty much from the front. I thought he didn't do a bad job," the former outstanding jockey said.

"He's trained on really well. I would think he'll run really well on Monday but next time when he gets to 1400m where he can race up on the speed and control the race a bit he'll be harder to beat."

Payne's younger sister Michelle Payne retains the mount on Cellarmaster, who drew barrier six in the 14-horse field.

The gelding was prepared in New Zealand by Kevin Gray and has had seven runs for Payne since February for a 1300m 3-year-old race win at Morphettville in June and a second to Josimar over 1400m at Caulfield in July.

One of his best efforts for Payne so far was sixth to Whobegotyou in the group two weight-for-age PB Lawrence Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield in August.

"He was a good 2-year-old. He had quite a few runs as a 2-year-old which burned him out actually," Payne said. "When he first came over from New Zealand he was a little bit jaded.

"He's still a handy horse, but everyone wants to compare him to Jimmy Choux. He beat Jimmy Choux as a 2-year-old but as we know Jimmy Choux went on and improved a fair bit."

Cellarmaster is second pick in the betting at $5.50 with TAB Sportsbet, which has the Peter Moody-trained Mr Make Believe as $4.40 favourite.

- AAP