David Payne eyes next Group 1 star in Persian Wonder
Despite running a compact stable, David Payne excels at spotting Group 1 talent, and he's optimistic that two-year-old Persian Wonder will be the newest addition.
This exciting prospect lines up in the Champagne Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on Saturday, seeking his maiden win at top level after consistent efforts, capped by a strong runner-up finish to Southend in Rosehill's Baillieu (1400m) last month.
Payne, who began in South Africa, boasts a record of more than 100 Group 1 triumphs worldwide, having honed stars like Criterion, Ace High and Montefilia during his Australian tenure.
He defies the odds with his modest setup and limited horse numbers.
The unassuming trainer attributes much to good fortune, yet his yearling selection skills stand out.
"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."
Complementing Wednesday's Warwick Farm triumph by Bangkok Hottie, who's now on a break for a spring tilt at the Princess Series, Persian Wonder looks set to lead the stable's upcoming charges.
Though drawn wide at Randwick, complicating matters, the youngster thrives from off the tempo, a tactic Payne intends to use.
Last start, he raced more forwardly with James McDonald, missing out on the win but gaining valuable lessons, per Payne.
"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."
With McDonald riding Sires' Produce Stakes winner Campione D'italia, Chad Schofield resumes on Persian Wonder following his notable fourth in the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) back on March 14.
Check the online bookmakers for competitive racing betting markets on the Champagne Stakes.
More Racing News
Mornington Cup beckons for Kings Valley
Team Ciaron Maher has awaited the perfect moment to stretch Kings Valley out over further ground.Such a moment presents itself with the Listed Mornington Cup (2400m) scheduled for Saturday.Initially listed as the first reserve upon Wednesday's field declaration, Kings Valley secured a spot in the 14-runner event after Plymouth was...
Royal Patronage faces possible last run in All Aged Stakes
If a post-Hong Kong journey fatigue or diminished passion for competition explained it, Royal Patronage underdelivered in the spring season.Resuming for autumn duties, co-trainer Adrian Bott opted to revamp the seven-year-old's daily schedule to boost his concentration, and handily, he enlisted his wife and expert horse handler, Jess."My wife has...
Exit filly bypasses Sydney for Maher's Adelaide stakes raid
Black-type performances are crucial for fillies eyeing broodmare careers down the line.Fresh from her Flemington success last time out, Exit is making tracks for Adelaide to chase stakes glory in the Listed H C Nitschke Stakes (1400m) over at Morphettville Parks on Saturday.The Ciaron Maher charge is entered for the...
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...
Headley Grange reunites with Hyeronimus for All Aged Stakes challenge
Boasting six successes from just eight rides on Headley Grange, the connections of the gelding naturally trust Adam Hyeronimus to deliver peak performance in the All Aged Stakes at Randwick.To launch his current campaign, the five-year-old produced two eye-catching runs, flying late to grab fourth behind Joliestar in the Canterbury...
Mornington showdown to gauge Corniche's group 1 prospects
Shawn Mathrick, the trainer, is eager to enter another Stakes contest with Corniche, his recently acquired stablemate.This former Godolphin horse claimed a win at Flemington on his third run for Mathrick and now lines up in Saturday's Listed Hareeba Stakes (1200m) over at Mornington.Should he perform well, Mathrick plans a...
Waller weighs wide barrier for Jokers Grin in Randwick feature
Chris Waller is torn due to a poor barrier draw on whether to start Jokers Grin in the Hall Mark Stakes at Randwick or follow the original itinerary straight to Queensland.The one-time Perth short-course specialist was last seen running fifth in November's Group 1 Winterbottom Stakes (1200m) and is scheduled...
Adrian Bott targets G1 triumph via Miss Chanel at Randwick
Adrian Bott did not foresee Miss Chanel remaining in action on the last day of the Sydney autumn carnival when she began racing in January.Intending to spell her after every start, Bott notes the filly has compelled her owners to keep going with her schedule, always in contention and achieving...
Basilinna targeting Mornington Cup for key exemption
Connections of Basilinna seek a fresh chance in a 'win and you're in' contest coming up at Mornington.In the previous year, Basilinna earned entry into the Melbourne Cup ballot by taking out the Andrew Ramsden (2800m) at Flemington back in May.While trainers Emma-Lee and David Browne keep open the possibility...
Randwick feature to probe Matias' staying ability in Frank Packer Plate
The Frank Packer Plate at Randwick serves as Gerald Ryan's platform to assess Matias' staying power, yet he holds firm optimism that the three-year-old possesses the capacity for at least a mid-range trip.Matias, triumphant in the December Grand Prix Stakes (1800m) at Eagle Farm, now ventures beyond that mark for...