Racing: Payne runner has right prerequisites

SYDNEY - Trainer David Payne is expecting Prerequisite to benefit from a more forward ride at Canterbury today.

The Charge Forward filly runs in The Jim Beam Shed On Sale Handicap (1250m) and goes into the race after a third to Country Club at the course on October 7.

That day she was second last in the field of six before finishing 1 lengths from the winner with Glyn Schofield aboard.

The Peter Snowden-trained Country Club carried 53.5kg last start while Prerequisite carried a half-kilogram less.

Today, Country Club has the topweight of 59kg but has some relief with 2kg-claiming apprentice Michael Palmer aboard while Prerequisite has 56kg and will be ridden by Chris Munce.

"I wasn't happy with the ride last time, she was too far back and will be handier this time for sure," Payne said.

"She's no superstar but I think she's well in this race."

Two starts back, Prerequisite was last in the group two Furious Stakes (1400m) on September 5 at Randwick after her three-length sixth to Deer Valley in the group three Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at the same track.

Prerequisite is one of the Rosehill trainer's many gallopers to have been hit by a virus during the last six weeks.

"She had a little setback as a lot of them had, it put her out for a week but she's come through it now and all is well," Payne said.

Stablemate Smart Lady was also knocked around by the virus and is in action in the www.theraces.com.au Plate (1550m) also at Canterbury.

"She had about a week out but she's been working well into this and should run a nice race," Payne said.

Smart Lady, a Catbird filly, has not raced since her third to Viking Legend in the Listed Dulcify Quality (1800m) at Randwick on September 26.

The filly, who is yet to win from eight starts, was also third to Choistar in the Listed Fernhill Handicap (1600m) at Randwick in April before a spell.

- AAP