Trainer John O’Shea is expressing confidence that Peyton has now put his early career difficulties behind him as the promising three-year-old colt is set to compete at Flemington on Tuesday.
The son of Zoustar was not sold at the 2025 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale, failing to reach its $500,000 reserve, which led to breeder Rosemont Stud retaining ownership.
Despite taking four starts to break his maiden status, O’Shea and his training partner Tom Charlton have set their sights on achieving group racing success.
His form line includes races against highly-rated horses of his age, such as The Next Episode and St Gotthard, who finished first and second respectively in Saturday’s Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Peyton is scheduled to make his third-up appearance in the Schweppervescence Plate (1000m), and O’Shea is content with the colt’s return to the racetrack.
“I had him entered last at Flemington on Cox Plate Day but he didn’t travel that well so I left him an extra week and it has done him the world of good,” O’Shea shared.
“We gave him a little tickover trial at Flemington on Friday to blow out a few cobwebs and I think he’ll run very well although it is a bit short of his best.
“It will also give him a chance to have a look up the straight.”
Peyton’s most recent performance was a fifth-place finish in the Group 2 Roman Consul Stakes (1200m) on October 10, trailing stablemate Satono Glow. Prior to that, he achieved his maiden win at Gosford in August.
His initial preparation was marked by several obstacles.
“He just kept doing a few things (wrong),” O’Shea stated.
“He hit his head in the gate one day at Warwick Farm and missed a run and then he had a little cough so nothing was going right that prep.
“He’s a really talented horse so hopefully he can break through on Tuesday.”
As the main race approaches, consider the competitive betting markets for the race; the field is expected to provide excellent wagering opportunities.