David Payne believes that success in racing is not so much about having the best horses, but about placement.

The successful trainer has made a name for himself by placing horses such as Madibagold in non-feature races.

“He is a good, consistent horse and rarely runs a bad race, but he is not a carnival horse,” Payne said about Madibagold.

“We gave him a break (after the Scone Cup) and brought him back for winter when the tracks are a bit softer.

“He is one of those horses you like to have. He might not win a lot but he is always picking up a cheque.”

Despite not being a carnival horse, the five-year-old has earned nearly $250,000 in prize money.

Madibagold finished second to Little Surfer Girl in the Civic Stakes two weeks ago, but jockey Christian Reith feels a short freshen up will give him the edge for tomorrow’s Winter Stakes at Rosehill Gardens.

“He ran well the other day and is on the limit again,” Reith said.

“He can beat them (on Saturday).”

Horses like Madibagold have helped Payne become one of Sydney’s best trainers since moving to Australian from South Africa nine years ago.

“When I got here it was just a case of taking what we could get,” Payne said.

“It’s bit different now.

“We are established and can put our horses where they are best suited.

“It is important to get it right, and that’s how Madibagold is racing now.”

Payne is equally hopeful of three-year-old stayer Winning Glory’s chances when he also takes to the track at Rosehill Gardens tomorrow.

The One Cool Cat gelding was unfortunate to miss out on a scheduled Queensland Derby run in the winter.

“It takes a good horse to win four in town but he missed his chance to in Brisbane because of the feet problems,” Payne said.

“The farrier has been to fix them now.

“I think he could be one of those off-season horses to go through to the early spring in races like the Newcastle Cup.

“He is the sort of horse which deserves his chance at the next level.”

The trainer also has both Future Solution and Master Of Design running at the track tomorrow.

“They are both in the tough races but could be each-way hopes,” Payne said.

“Future Solution has been racing well but is getting up in the weights.”