Jason Collett, a past winner of the Spring Champion Stakes with Montefilia, is feeling positive about Wonka’s chances of securing another trophy, provided the colt enjoys an economical run.
The rise to 2000 metres for the first time presents the sole query for Collett regarding his mount in Saturday’s renewal of the Group 1 race, which has attracted nine contenders.
“I just want a soft run to give him his chance to see out the distance, which is a question mark,” Collett stated. “If he gets a soft enough run, he can see it out, and I think he’ll be strong late. He’s got a very good turn of foot, so if we can utilise that Saturday, that’s one of our advantages.”
Wonka has built a solid foundation of fitness for the distance, with the Spring Champion Stakes being his sixth start this campaign. He claimed the Dulcify Quality (1600m) two starts back and was narrowly beaten by Saturday’s rival Proxima Dea in the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) last start after a determined effort.
Collett has ridden Wonka in four of his six starts and has been impressed by his consistent development.
“He learned as he’s gone. He did a few things wrong early in the preparation when he’d want to go a bit keen. But with racing, he’s become more professional, and become more of a racehorse,” Collett explained. “He keeps taking the step up, and keeps performing, and drawn favourably on Saturday, he’s a good chance.”
In the Callander-Presnell (1600m), Collett will also partner Waller’s charge, Central Europe, for the first time since the horse’s juvenile campaign. Although the three-year-old colt remains a maiden after six starts, he is significantly dropping in grade from his previous two runs in the Golden Rose (1400m) and Caulfield Guineas (1600m), where he made a late surge to finish fourth behind Cox Plate fancy Warwoven.
“He was great in the Guineas. That was such a strong race, and he comes back up here to Sydney,” Collett remarked. “A mile doesn’t look to be a problem, so he looks a good hope.”
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