David Payne’s modest stable has a proven flair for developing Group 1 runners, with hopes high that the two-year-old Persian Wonder will follow suit.

The budding star contests Saturday’s Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick, targeting his breakthrough top-tier success after promising runs, notably a solid second to Southend in the Baillieu (1400m) at Rosehill a month ago.

From South African origins, Payne has amassed over 100 Group 1 wins internationally, polishing Australian champions including Criterion, Ace High and Montefilia.

His operation continues to exceed its scale, operating on a tight budget and small team.

While the trainer modestly points to luck, his expertise in picking yearlings is unquestionable.

“I have been in the game a long time and I’ve been lucky with buying horses,” Payne said.

“But you’ve got to find the horse first. We buy maybe ten at the sales, other stables might buy 250. But we always find one, and we’ve got a couple there at the moment.”

Alongside Bangkok Hottie, fresh from a Wednesday win at Warwick Farm and set for a spell before the spring Princess Series, Persian Wonder stands as a future stable standout.

A challenging wide gate at Randwick adds difficulty, but with his affinity for rearward positions, Payne will stick to settling him back.

On his previous run closer to the front under James McDonald, he fell short of winning, yet Payne valued the experience.

“It was a good run. I thought he might have been a bit too handy, but it’s good that James taught him to get out of the gates,” he said.

“It’s a tough race on Saturday so we’ll ride him quiet and see what happens.

“We have been aiming him at this for a while, so we’ll see if he’s good enough.”

McDonald stays with Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Campione D’italia, bringing Chad Schofield back for Persian Wonder after his striking fourth placing in the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) on March 14.

Visit betting sites to find the top racing odds for the Champagne Stakes.