Trainer David Payne is eyeing off the early season three-year-old races for Persian Wonder, a runner-up in the Baillieu, with the Up And Coming Stakes at Rosehill being a potential starting point.
The respected horseman indicated that the gelding would be nominated for the Group 3 feature next Saturday, with his final decision contingent on the final field and barrier draw.
“We’ll put him in and have a look at it,” Payne stated. “He’s had the two runs, so he will be pretty fit. He’s getting stronger all the time.”
Persian Wonder showed promise when fourth behind Warwoven in the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) in March, subsequently finishing strongly for second in the Group 3 Baillieu (1400m) to Southend. After competing in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) in April, he returned with a determined maiden victory at Canterbury in July.
Facing older horses in a recent Saturday race, Persian Wonder performed admirably despite carrying equal topweight, finishing two lengths behind the winner Avista.
With many competitors likely to be resuming, Payne anticipates Persian Wonder’s current fitness will be an advantage in the Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) on Saturday. However, the gelding’s primary objective remains the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) two weeks later.
“He ran here in a rating race last start and went well. He finished just behind them with top weight,” Payne commented. “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, with the San Domenico Stakes (1100m) also scheduled, which is anticipated to see the return of Golden Slipper victor Guest House.
Meanwhile, Payne’s promising filly Bangkok Hottie delivered an impressive showing in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday, surging from the back to narrowly miss victory behind the fast Pembrey. She is expected to contest the Princess Series, with jockey Kerrin McEvoy believing she will improve over longer distances.
“I rode her a bit quiet from that (wide) draw and ended up near the back-end,” McEvoy said. “I like the way she got out and finished very well. Out in trip is going to suit her.”
Betting on the Up And Coming Stakes is now open with leading online bookmakers.
