Trainer David Payne expressed his surprise at the odds offered for Persian Wonder in the Ming Dynasty Quality at Rosehill, a sentiment that was quickly justified as the gelding defeated several higher-profile runners to win.
Sent to post at approximately $19, despite being well-weighted following a notable fifth in the Up And Coming Stakes (1300m), Persian Wonder was kept off the early speed by jockey Ash Morgan before unleashing a powerful finish from the pack to secure an impressive victory.
“He’s been a bit unlucky. I think he is learning to race now,” Payne commented.
“He has taken a while, but he dropped three kilos from his last start, and he only got beaten a length or so by (Ming Dynasty rivals) Genesis Runner and Savagram. I thought, gee he comes into the race with a big chance.”
“The form people, I don’t think they’re doing their job properly because his sectionals were very good and all he needs is a good pace and he’s getting stronger.”
Persian Wonder had demonstrated ability as a two-year-old, finishing runner-up in the Group 3 Baillieu (1400m) and had reached the end of his preparation when unplaced in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m).
Considering his strong finishing effort over 1400m on Saturday, Payne is keen to extend the three-year-old’s campaign over greater distances. He has nominated the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill on October 10 as the gelding’s next target, with a potential start in the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick a fortnight later, depending on his performance.
“He’s not bred to get a trip, but everybody who rides him says he’ll stay so we’ll go to the Gloaming now,” Payne stated.
“The Gloaming and the Spring Champion, if he stays, we might go there.”
Morgan produced a masterful ride, positioning Persian Wonder to trail the busy speed from an inside draw while maintaining his position. He followed James McDonald aboard Stormy Marco ($8) into the straight and managed to reel in that colt to win by a half-length, with Tenenbaum ($4.80) a further half-neck away in third.
“James said, ‘you have some balls going there’, but I just wanted to hold my spot,” Morgan said.
“I really like the horse. He has a lot of ability but is still working it out.”
“James gave his a great ride, and I just wanted to follow him through and have the last crack at them.”
This victory marked David Payne’s second black-type success in consecutive weeks, following Bangkok Hottie’s win in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick the previous Saturday.
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