David Payne intends to target early season three-year-old races with Baillieu placegetter Persian Wonder, commencing with the Up And Coming Stakes at Rosehill.
The decorated trainer confirmed his intention to nominate the gelding for the Group 3 Rosehill feature next Saturday, pending the final field and barrier draw.
“We’ll put him in and have a look at it,” Payne said. “He’s had the two runs, so he will be pretty fit. He’s getting stronger all the time.”
After an impressive fourth behind Warwoven in the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) in March, Persian Wonder secured a solid second place to Southend in the Group 3 Baillieu (1400m). His previous preparation concluded with a run in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) in April, but he has shown he has returned in excellent form with a tenacious maiden victory at Canterbury in July.
When competing against older horses in Saturday company, Persian Wonder carried equal topweight and put in a valiant effort, finishing two lengths behind Avista.
With several horses anticipated to be resuming their campaigns, Payne is optimistic that Persian Wonder’s current fitness will be a significant advantage in the Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) this Saturday. However, the horse’s primary objective is the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m), scheduled for two weeks later.
“He ran here in a rating race last start and went well. He finished just behind them with top weight,” Payne explained. “I think 1400 will be his best distance. “We’ll look at the Up And Coming and then the Ming Dynasty. Those two will be his main targets because I don’t want to take the big boys on.”
The Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) is one of two black-type races at Rosehill, alongside the San Domenico Stakes (1100m), which is expected to see the return of Golden Slipper winner Guest House.
Payne’s promising filly Bangkok Hottie delivered a notable performance in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday, coming from well back to finish second to the speedy Pembrey. She is expected to be aimed at the Princess Series, with jockey Kerrin McEvoy anticipating she will improve with more distance.
“I rode her a bit quiet from that (wide) draw and ended up near the back-end,” McEvoy stated. “I like the way she got out and finished very well. Out in trip is going to suit her.”
Consider the available racing odds for the Up And Coming Stakes.
