The Ballarat trainer believes that perhaps the nine-year-old has responded to his largely one-on-one methods.

"I only have a small set-up and do most of the work myself," he said.

Payne said he had only had Haddle McDaddle about 12 months, so could not say why the wet track specialist had gone three years without winning.

He said perhaps he was finally in the right frame of mind.

Haddle McDaddle continued his revitalisation with a slashing victory in the listed $80,000 Balaklava Cup, 1600m, on Wednesday - the first cup of the spring.

Ridden a copybook race by Payne's sister Michelle, Haddle McDaddle ($8.50) charged down the outside from the back of the field to score by more than a length.

This gives him three wins in his past four starts, having saluted at Sandown Lakeside and Caulfield before finishing second at Morphettville.

Andrew Payne said the Balaklava Cup had been targeted, given that racing in Victoria was getting stronger with the arrival of spring.

Payne is unsure what is ahead for Haddle McDaddle, which needs soft tracks owing to arthritis and wear and tear. He has a record of eight wins and 17 placings from 52 starts for more than $360,000 in earnings.

Haddle McDaddle continues the domination of South Australian feature races by the Payne family this year. Andrew's brother Patrick quinellaed the Adelaide Cup with Capecover and Kerdem, and took It's A Dud to victory in the Great Eastern Steeplechase at Oakbank.