Trainer Patrick Payne has strengthened his stable with the recent addition of New Zealand Group winner Cellarmaster.

The former champion jockey is based north-west of Melbourne at Plumpton and Cellarmaster opened his Australian account in the Allan Scott Park Hcp (1300m) at Morphettville in Saturday.

Cellarmaster (3c Dubawi – Oenology by Sound Reason) is raced by Wanganui owner-breeder Judge John Clapham and was successful at his third start for Payne.

Cellarmaster raced with great credit against the best two year-olds in New Zealand when prepared by Kevin Gray.  He won the G3 Eclipse Stakes and the LR Wentwood Grange Stakes and was G1 placed in both the Ford Diamond Stakes and the Manawatu Sires’ Produce Stakes.

Earlier this season, he was in the money in the G2 Hawke’s Bay Guineas, G3 Challenge Stakes and the LR Wanganui Guineas before transferring to his new Australian quarters.

Cellarmaster is a half-brother to G1 VRC Derby placegetter Our Bahhare (Bahhare).  Their dam Oenology is a half-sister to the dam of top-class stayer Second Coming (Oak Ridge).  Bred and sold by Judge Clapham, Second Coming was a G1 winner of the VRC Derby and Wellington Cup.  

Payne’s Irish bred stayer Kerdem (Rainbow Quest) has a promising career ahead as a jumper.  He won the 2008 Queensland Cup and he also finished second to Zavite in the 2009 Adelaide Cup.  The gelding has won his last three over the hurdles at Mornington and Bendigo (2).

Payne’s Plumpton stable is also home to 2010 Adelaide Cup winner Capecover (Cape Cross).  He embarked on a jumping career earlier this month and has won his last two hurdles at Bendigo.

Capecover is part-owned by Kiwi trainer Kevin Myers and his nieces Rosie and Kelly Myers are currently riding for Payne.  Rosie won on the Payne-trained filly Our Pride And Joy (Canny Lad) at Sandown last Wednesday.

Other promising youngsters in the yard are the recent maiden winners Krupp Diamond (Starcraft), Song Of The Bell (Artie Schiller) and Allgraceful (Manton).