Jason Collett, who has previously tasted success in the Spring Champion Stakes with Montefilia, is optimistic that Wonka can deliver another victory. However, the jockey believes this will depend on the colt receiving an economical run throughout the race.
The primary point of consideration for Collett concerning his mount in Saturday’s Group 1 event, which features nine horses all competing over 2000 metres for the first time, is the distance itself.
“I just want a soft run to give him his chance to see out the distance, which is a question mark,” Collett commented. “If he gets a soft enough run, he can see it out, and I think he’ll be strong late. He’s got a very good turn of foot, so if we can utilise that Saturday, that’s one of our advantages.”
Wonka has been afforded a thorough preparation to ensure he possesses the stamina required for the journey, with the Spring Champion Stakes set to be his sixth start this preparation. He secured victory in the Dulcify Quality (1600m) two starts ago and finished a close second to Saturday’s rival Proxima Dea in the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at his last outing, engaging in a tough battle to the line.
Collett has ridden Wonka in four of his six career starts and has been impressed by the colt’s continuous progress.
“He learned as he’s gone. He did a few things wrong early in the preparation when he’d want to go a bit keen. But with racing, he’s become more professional, and become more of a racehorse,” Collett said. “He keeps taking the step up, and keeps performing, and drawn favourably on Saturday, he’s a good chance.”
Collett will also partner Waller’s charge, Central Europe, in the Callander-Presnell (1600m), marking his first association with the horse since its juvenile season. While the three-year-old colt remains a maiden after six starts, he is dropping significantly in class from his past two performances in the Golden Rose (1400m) and Caulfield Guineas (1600m), where he made late ground to finish fourth behind Cox Plate hopeful Warwoven.
“He was great in the Guineas. That was such a strong race, and he comes back up here to Sydney,” Collett noted. “A mile doesn’t look to be a problem, so he looks a good hope.”
Exploring Australian betting sites could provide valuable insights into the racing odds for the upcoming Spring Champion Stakes.