Wonder Boy faces mile test with home advantage at Mornington

Jerome Hunter, the Mornington-based trainer, is eager to see Wonder Boy tackle 1600m once more, now on his local circuit.

Wonder Boy lines up in the No Fuss Event Hire Handicap (1600m) at Mornington on Saturday, potentially paving the way for a Brisbane venture with the four-year-old.

According to Hunter, there are no doubts regarding Wonder Boy staying the 1600m these days, as the gelding is far more robust than during his previous attempt over the distance as a three-year-old 11 months prior.

After claiming the Bendigo Guineas over 1400m in April last year, Hunter sent Wonder Boy north to Brisbane for the Group 2 Queensland Guineas (1600m).

Positioned prominently early, Wonder Boy tired in the straight to end up sixth.

"He didn't get much of a chance up at Eagle Farm that day when nothing went right for him," Hunter said.

"He was up on speed, there was a lot going on, and it didn't suit him.

"Back on his home track, he'll be ridden more conservatively, and we'll see whether he gets the trip or not."

Wonder Boy hasn't tasted success since that Bendigo win last April, but Hunter drew positivity from the gelding's near-miss second over 1400m at Rosehill recently, with the travel proving beneficial.

"He's done well since Sydney and he has done really well this preparation," Hunter said.

"Last start, he came up against a pretty good horse, I think."

Hunter eyes a return to Brisbane this season and hopes to earn Wonder Boy a spot in the Group 1 Stradbroke Handicap (1400m) at Eagle Farm in June.

"He would need to get his rating up, but that would be a lovely race to try and get him into," Hunter said.

"If we get him up there early enough there are some nice lead-up races along the way."

Head to the online bookmakers to find the best betting markets for the No Fuss Event Hire Handicap.