Jockey Ash Morgan anticipates significant chances in feature races at Randwick, riding a familiar horse and one he’s been closely observing.
Following a Group 1 victory aboard Private Harry in the 2025 Galaxy (1100m), Morgan is aiming for a second top-flight win with the David Payne-trained Persian Wonder in Saturday’s Spring Champion Stakes (2000m).
Having partnered the gelding in his last three outings, Morgan is confident Persian Wonder is at his peak for the race. The horse finished strongly from the rear, within two lengths of stablemate Proxima Dea in the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at his most recent start.
“He was four weeks between runs and up 400 (metres), so David wanted to ride him quiet and get him to come home,” Morgan explained.
“I thought he ran really well. He came to the back of them as though he was going to get involved and just peaked a little on the run, which was probably expected.
“This is his grand final on Saturday.
“I galloped him on Tuesday with Proxima Dea, and he worked really good. He’s going well and I’m really excited to ride him on Saturday.”
While all runners in the Spring Champion Stakes are tackling 2000m for the first time, Morgan believes it won’t be an issue for Persian Wonder.
He indicated that the three-year-old has consistently shown signs of appreciating distance and possesses the necessary temperament for middle-distance events.
“All his mannerisms, I’d be amazed if he didn’t get it,” Morgan stated.
“He doesn’t waste any energy he doesn’t need to. I’ve always thought he was going to be a 2000-metre horse, even as a two-year-old, so I’m really confident he’ll stay the trip.”
Morgan is also set to ride the Victorian contender Welcometotheshow in the $1 million Five Diamonds Prelude (1500m).
This gelding secured four consecutive victories over the summer, including one at Randwick, and has elevated his performance in his last two races, winning the Listed Tontonan Stakes (1400m) at Flemington and placing third behind Lady Shenandoah in the Group 1 Toorak Handicap (1600m).
Although Saturday marks Morgan’s debut ride on Welcometotheshow, he has been following the horse’s progress closely, thanks to his close friend and trackwork rider, Toby Atkinson.
“I’ve kept an eye on him because my friend rides him work and he’s always given him glowing reports,” Morgan commented.
“He’s a good trackwork rider and a good judge, and he’s happy.
“The horse ran enormous in the Toorak (Handicap) the other day. He’s a great hope.”
Persian Wonder looks a strong contender in the Spring Champion Stakes, and those looking to back him can find the best Australian betting sites for all the racing action.
