Payroll could head to the 2017 Tatt’s Tiara after she returned to winning form in the 2017 Spear Chief Handicap at Doomben this afternoon.

A peach of a ride from Damien Oliver helped Payroll return to winning form in the Spear Chief Quality. Photo by: Ultimate Racing Photos

Payroll struggled for speed in the early stages of the Spear Chief Handicap and jockey Damien Oliver had no choice but to settle her at the tail of the field, while High Midnight and Allknight Saint were locked in a battle for the lead.

High Midnight bled at the top of the straight and looked as though he would block the run of Payroll, but Oliver was able to manoeuvre his way around the favourite and find clear running.

Maryore was flying down the outside and looked as though she was going to swoop the field, but Payroll fought back in the shadows of the post to record a brave victory.

Trainer Richard Laming was quick to pay credit to the ride of Damien Oliver in the Spear Chief Handicap and he revealed that the Group 1 Tatt’s Tiara (1350m) is an option for the daughter of Not A Single Doubt.

“He weaved his magic, but that is why you put them on,” Laming said.

“The best jockeys get results and that was typical of Oliver out there them.

“She didn’t have any luck last start, she got back and probably should have come to the outside and she was on the wrong part of the track.

“She showed all the signs that she was going to run well today.

“Our plans are up in the air at the moment because of what is happening up here with the tracks.

“We were going to the Tatt’s Tiara and we will have to think about it because we have to bring her back in distance.

“We will see how she pulls up, but it is on the cards.”

High Midnight started the Spear Chief Handicap as favourite, but unfortunately bled from the mouth in the run and will now be banned from racing in Australia.