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By Tony Megahey

Nobody was more surprised than Inverell trainer Todd Payne when Team McDonald rang in early for the ride on ultra-consistent Highway performer Lisztomania ($5.50 on TAB) for Royal Randwick on Saturday.

A major factor was Matt Dale’s dual Listed placegetter Satin Stiletto who would have been near favourite and likely with J-Mac, is according to Matt, likely to start in the Listed -tlantic Jewel at Moonee Vally on Saturday.

Lisztomania (Zac Lloyd) heads to the barriers at Rosehill Gardens. Image by Bradley Photographers

All logic as no jockey has been declared for Satin Stiletto in the Highway but Josh Parr declared for “The Valley.”

Significantly, McDonald rides Dale’s promising stablemate Martini Mumma ($3 favourite) who is favourite in an earlier race at headquarters.

Lisztomania has been a strong contender and unlucky in several Highways, hence, the firmer with the massive McDonald influence with 59kg for a TAB $120,000 Class 3, 1200m.

“Never gave it a thought, he often rides in Highways but mainly for the stronger stables like Messara's with the form and breeding, but they’ve hovered before with us in his weight range.," Todd explained.

Todd Payne has a small team and in support for a fabulous Group raceday at headquarters.

“They’d made contact when this gelding was racing super in Highways but without any luck. They identify the right form.

“McDonald rides the Group stars but he’s had plenty of success in Highways. We've drawn wide and we get back, but the right jockey for all of that.

"No riding instructions with the start he gives you. We’ll run a race - he always does.”

Of course, McDonald’s agent is established Melbourne form analyst Mark Guest.

Ongoing hoof issues have restricted six-year-old Lisztomania’s career. However, Payne and his vet have managed them well enough for five Highway placings.

“Good as we can get him, really happy, probably should have won two of these. We’re overdue but in a real hard race, big field and drawn out.”

The six-year-old ran super in Highway races for respected Aiden St Vincent in previous preparations before issues.

In an April episode at Rosehill Gardens, Lisztomania hit the front from wide and rearward to be beaten a head by Bianco Vilano who then won the SDRA Country Championships Final at Albury and ran a mighty race in the Final.

Lisztomania is owned by Wagga Wagga studmaster Mark Taylor, a long-time supporter of Payne.

“We go back a long way, I train the half-sister Kalahari Heart for Mark”

At present Royal Randwick is rated a Good 4 with fine weather forecast.

View final fields with full form & race replays for Royal Randwick here