Patrick Payne is on the brink of training his first Group One winner after Capecover confirmed his Auckland Cup credentials with a stylish victory in the Nathans Memorial at Ellerslie.The New Zealand gelding was transferred to the former jockey's Victorian stable after his spring campaign which netted wins in the Listed Tokyo City Cup (1600m) at Morphettville and Group Three Queen Elizabeth (2500m) at Flemington.Capecover settled near the rear of the field in Sunday's 2200m race before rounding

Patrick Payne is on the brink of training his first Group One winner after Capecover confirmed his Auckland Cup credentials with a stylish victory in the Nathans Memorial at Ellerslie.

The New Zealand gelding was transferred to the former jockey's Victorian stable after his spring campaign which netted wins in the Listed Tokyo City Cup (1600m) at Morphettville and Group Three Queen Elizabeth (2500m) at Flemington.

Capecover settled near the rear of the field in Sunday's 2200m race before rounding the field on the turn.

He had to work to get past pacemaking Spin Around but was a comfortable 1-1/2 lengths clear at the finish and is now the $5.50 equal favourite with Six O'Clock News for Wednesday's Auckland Cup (3200m).

"He travelled really well and hasn't take a backward step since he arrived," Payne said.

"I didn't really know what to expect today but it was pleasing to see the way he did it."

Payne said Capecover had settled in well at Pukekohe since arriving from Australia.

"He had to be close to ready today if he was going to be right for Wednesday," he said.

"So he won't take five lengths improvement out of the race but he should improve."

David Walker rode Capecover on Sunday but Payne's sister Michelle will take over in the Auckland Cup.

Michelle Payne missed out on claiming her first Group One victory through a suspension which cost her the ride on Sir Slick in the Thorndon Mile in Wellington in January.