Trainer David Payne expressed his astonishment at the odds offered for Persian Wonder in the Ming Dynasty Quality at Rosehill. His confidence was vindicated as the gelding overcame more fancied runners to claim victory.
Despite carrying a competitive weight following an impressive fifth in the Up And Coming Stakes (1300m), Persian Wonder was dispatched at generous odds of around $19. Jockey Ash Morgan opted to settle the horse away from the early pace, launching a decisive run from the pack to secure a notable win.
“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 promise as a two-year-old, finishing second in the Group 3 Baillieu (1400m) before concluding his campaign with an unplaced run in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m).
Considering his strong finish over 1400m on Saturday, Payne is eager to test his stamina further. He has nominated the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill on October 10 as the three-year-old’s next objective, with a potential start in the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick a fortnight later, contingent 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 executed a skillful ride, positioning Persian Wonder to trail the leaders from an inside draw without relinquishing ground. He tracked James McDonald aboard Stormy Marco ($8) into the straight and managed to overhaul that colt, winning by a half-length. Tenenbaum ($4.80) finished a further half-neck back in third.
“James said, ‘you have some balls going there’, but I just wanted to hold my spot,” Morgan revealed.
“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 stakes win in as many weeks, following Bangkok Hottie’s success in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick the preceding Saturday.
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