When he was one of Australia's best heavyweight jockeys, Payne needed horses to get big handicaps or he couldn't ride them.

Now, from the other side of the fence, he likes his horses to get as little weight as possible.

He will get his wish in Sunday's Hobart Cup when his consistent stayer Fieldmaster will carry only 54.5 kilograms.

Fieldmaster burst into contention for the $225,000 race with a `soft' win in Sunday's Jockey Club Cup at Elwick.

The opposition wasn't as strong but he carried 59kg under the weight-for-age conditions.

Payne was both impressed and surprised by the five-year-old's dominance.

``I thought he was a bit suspect because it was only his second run after a spell,'' the trainer said.

``But I stopped worrying half way through the race when I could see he was going so well.

``It was a bit unexpected so it gives me confidence going into the Hobart Cup.''

Fieldmaster was ridden by Payne's sister Michelle who said the gelding was always travelling well.

``He did it all his own,'' she said. ``He didn't have a lot left at the finish but that was to be expected second-up.

``He will be improved by the run.''

Fieldmaster is one of only six horses weighted about the minimum in the Hobart Cup.

Imported stayer Drunken Sailor, who has been listed as a doubtful starter, has topweight of 61kg.

Last-start Caulfield winner Rainbow Style, co-trained by John Hawkes and raced by high-profile Sydney owner Nick Moraitis, has 59kg.

Local star Geegees Blackflash and last year's Auckland Cup winner Titch have 58.5kg while the other New Zealand entry, Rio D'Jeu, has 55.5kg.

Drunken Sailor's stablemate Viking Hero is likely to represent trainer Mike Moroney and Damien Oliver is expected to take the ride.

Viking Hero, weighted on the minimum, was a group 3 winner at Sandown last season and was second to Royal Mail at Flemington at his most recent start.

Oliver scored his only Hobart Cup win on Blutigeroo in 2007 while Moroney's best results have been seconds with Imax (2002) and The Mighty Lions (2003).