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
Organised Crime aims to conquer Blue Sapphire
Cranbourne-based trainer Lloyd Kennewell is anticipating a highly competitive Group 1 sprint for three-year-olds at Flemington during Melbourne Cup week, labelling it the race of the spring.Kennewell is preparing two strong colts, Organised Crime and Mbube, for the Coolmore Stud Stakes (1200m) set to take place on October 31.The former,...
Beadman benefits from return to Randwick
A homecoming to Randwick is expected to suit Beadman much better, after the promising sprinter fell victim to the Caulfield curse during a quick trip to Melbourne.The tricky Caulfield track has tripped up many a Sydney-trained galloper, and the four-year-old was one of them, getting too far back from a...
Caulfield Cup presents weighty challenge for Half Yours
Tony and Calvin McEvoy, the father-and-son training duo, are fully cognizant of the significant task that lies before them as Half Yours aims for a consecutive Caulfield Cup triumph.Having previously won the Cup with one of the lowest weights, Half Yours will now carry the burden of topweight in the...
St Leger Stakes runners still in Melbourne Cup calculations
Klondike, a former European import, has not followed a conventional Australian preparation for a staying event, but his trainers maintain confidence in his fitness and stamina.The gelding will contest Saturday's St Leger Stakes (2600m) in only his second start in 16 months, having been sidelined by a tendon injury subsequent...
Beiwacht's Silver Eagle run set to prime him for Golden Eagle tilt
Chris Waller is favouring a strategy of race fitness over a spell as he meticulously plans Beiwacht's pathway to a major Group 1 double.The accomplished Group 1 winner has returned to Sydney following a run where he finished outside the top three in the Manikato Stakes (1200m) at Caulfield on...
Miss Waititi's path to be decided in Ethereal Stakes
Mick Price and Michael Kent Jnr's filly, Miss Waititi, might be set for a tilt at the Victoria Derby, contingent on her performance in an upcoming Caulfield race.The Group 3 Ethereal Stakes, a 2000-metre contest on Saturday, will serve as the deciding factor for Miss Waititi's campaign, determining whether she...
Ninja's prospects enhanced by rain in The Everest
The usual gloom associated with a rainy week preceding a major race day has, surprisingly, become a source of optimism for connections of Ka Ying Rising's rivals in The Everest.While the undisputed top horse remains a strong $1.50 favourite for Saturday's $20 million sprint, uncertainties about his wet-track capabilities have...
Maher's Victoria Derby defence gears up at Caulfield
The pursuit of a second successive Victoria Derby win for Ciaron Maher is intensifying this weekend, as his top two colts prepare for their final hit-outs before the $3 million Group 1 feature.Vallice and Skua are scheduled to compete in the $240,000 Group 3 Sportsbet Classic over 2000 metres at...
Siena Grima's Everest Day Debut
Siena Grima, a celebrated apprentice jockey, is on the cusp of fulfilling a major career ambition as she prepares to ride at the highly anticipated The Everest day meeting for the very first time.The past twelve months have been extraordinary for Grima. Her transition to leading trainer Chris Waller's stable...
Coongy Handicap secured by Ziryab under Johnstone's guidance
Apprentice jockey Jabez Johnstone has been on a remarkable ascent since his relocation from Tasmania to the prominent Ciaron Maher stable on the mainland.Following his maiden Stakes race victory earlier this month, Johnstone added the Group 3 Coongy Handicap (2000m) to his growing list of achievements on Wednesday, masterfully steering...