David Payne expressed his disbelief at the pre-race odds for Persian Wonder in the Ming Dynasty Quality at Rosehill, a sentiment that proved well-founded as the gelding surpassed more fancied rivals to claim victory.
Sent out as a $19 outsider despite carrying a favourable weight following a striking fifth in the Up And Coming Stakes (1300m), Persian Wonder was ridden patiently by jockey Ash Morgan, kept out of the early speed battle before launching a potent run from the pack for a convincing win.
“He’s been a bit unlucky. I think he is learning to race now,” Payne stated.
“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 showcased talent at two, finishing second in the Group 3 Baillieu (1400m) and had reached the end of his preparation when unplaced in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m).
Given his strong finish over 1400m on Saturday, Payne is keen to test the three-year-old’s stamina over longer distances. Nominations include the Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill on October 10, with a potential appearance in the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick a fortnight later, dependent 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 said.
“The Gloaming and the Spring Champion, if he stays, we might go there.”
Morgan executed a masterful ride, positioning Persian Wonder to trail the busy pace from an inside draw without conceding ground. He followed James McDonald on Stormy Marco ($8) into the straight and reeled in that colt to win by a half-length, with Tenenbaum ($4.80) finishing a further half-neck behind in third.
“James said, ‘you have some balls going there’, but I just wanted to hold my spot,” Morgan said.
“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 provided David Payne with his second black-type win in as many weeks, following Bangkok Hottie’s success in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick the previous Saturday.
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