Billy Egan chasing more success with Patrick and Michelle Payne on Finals day at Flemington
Egan rode a double a fortnight ago at Headquarters to help the Payne partnership secure a personal best four winners on the card.
Egan has only two rides on Saturday but could hold up his end of the bargain on Buccleuch (Listed Taj Rossi Series Final) and Jimmy The Bear (Listed Winter Championship Series Final).
Buccleuch has progressed again since a dominant 1400m Flemington success.
Egan said the extra distance to 1600m on Saturday should not be a problem.
'He's ticking over nicely,' Egan said.
'He surprised how well (he won last start) … he's putting it together and I'd say there's still good more improvement in him, maturity wise.
'I can't see why (1600m) would be (an issue) … only his fifth start, so we'll find out on the day.'
Buccleuch travelled comfortably behind the speed last start and surged past in the straight for an effortless 2¼-length win from Arcora.
Buccleuch is $1.70 favourite to repeat the performance, with Arcora a solid $4.60 second elect.
Patrick Payne has won the Taj Rossi twice the past five years with Quang Tri (2022) and Cherry Tortoni (2020).
Egan will also ride Jimmy The Bear for the first time this campaign, with rising star apprentice jockey Tom Prebble unavailable due to suspension.
Jimmy The Bear has been in career-best form, finished in the top two the past four starts including two wins.
'(Prebble has) ridden it super,' Egan said.
'Patty has looked after him (Jimmy The Bear) so well, like he does with all his older horses.
'A really genuine horse with a good attitude, so you knew he was going to do something like this.'
Jimmy The Bear finished 3¼ lengths behind Winter Championship favourite Oh Too Good two starts back at Flemington.
The six-year-old gelding rebounded with a dominant win last start.
Jimmy The Bear has drawn outside Oh Too Good on Saturday, barriers 13 and 14 respectively, so the start is crucial for both Winter Championship contenders.
'I'll figure it out as we go,' Egan said.
'(Oh Too Good) landed a fair few spots in front of Jimmy last run,' Egan said.
'We might be back a little further (from the barrier) … I'll figure it out as we go, see what happens.'
Zorro's Flight (Silver Bowl), Bold Soul (Banjo Paterson) and Frontline Action and Silver Pledge (Mahogany Challenge).
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