Trainer David Payne is set to field promising filly Bangkok Hottie in Saturday’s Midway Benchmark 72 Handicap (1100m) at Royal Randwick, viewing the race as a key stepping stone ahead of Sydney’s three-year-old fillies Princess Series next month.

Bangkok Hottie, who showed considerable promise during her juvenile campaign with two commanding wins in town last April, has returned to training in strong form. Payne acknowledged the filly’s potential while noting that Saturday’s race will be an important test to gauge her ability against better three-year-olds.

"She showed us nice ability as a two-year-old," Payne said. "She has come back strong, so now we will step her up and see, and take on the better three-year-olds." Despite being drawn in barrier 11, Payne is hopeful that jockey Chad Schofield can secure a forward position in the early stages of the race. Bangkok Hottie has not had a recent trial due to an incident when she threw her jockey the day before a scheduled run, leading Payne to rest her to avoid undue stress.

Alongside Bangkok Hottie, Payne will also saddle Persian Wonder in the Precise Air Benchmark 72 Handicap (1400m) on the same card. Persian Wonder, a last-start winner at Canterbury Park, is seeking to build on that form in his second run of the campaign.

Payne indicated that Persian Wonder’s racing style is not front-running, despite the inside barrier draw. "He is not a leader, he is a horse that likes to be left alone so he will be midfield," Payne said, suggesting the gelding will settle behind the early pace rather than pressing forward.

Both runners represent Payne’s hopes as he targets spring features, using these Saturday events at Royal Randwick as preparation for upcoming significant races.