Persian Wonder eyes Up And Coming Stakes as next step

David Payne is setting his sights on early season three-year-old races for Persian Wonder, a horse who placed in the Baillieu, with the Up And Coming Stakes at Rosehill being a prime consideration.

The accomplished trainer has confirmed the gelding will be entered for the Group 3 Rosehill feature next Saturday, provided the field and draw are favourable.

"We'll put him in and have a look at it," Payne remarked. "He's had the two runs, so he will be pretty fit. He's getting stronger all the time."

Persian Wonder previously finished an encouraging fourth to Warwoven in the Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) back in March. He followed this with a strong second placing behind Southend in the Group 3 Baillieu (1400m). His campaign concluded after a below-par run in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) in April, but he demonstrated his readiness with a hard-fought maiden win at Canterbury in July.

When stepped up to Saturday company against more seasoned horses, Persian Wonder carried equal topweight and delivered a game performance, finishing two lengths adrift of the winner Avista.

Given that many horses are expected to be resuming their campaigns, Payne is hopeful that Persian Wonder's current fitness level will provide an edge in the Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) this Saturday. Nevertheless, the gelding's ultimate goal is the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m), scheduled for two weeks later.

"He ran here in a rating race last start and went well. He finished just behind them with top weight," Payne explained. "I think 1400 will be his best distance. "We'll look at the Up And Coming and then the Ming Dynasty. Those two will be his main targets because I don't want to take the big boys on."

The Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) is one of two black-type events at Rosehill, the other being the San Domenico Stakes (1100m), which is anticipated to mark the return of Golden Slipper winner Guest House.

In other stable news, Payne's promising filly Bangkok Hottie produced a notable performance in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on Saturday, launching a strong finish from the rear to finish second behind the quick Pembrey. She is being aimed at the Princess Series, with jockey Kerrin McEvoy suggesting she will benefit from increased distances.

"I rode her a bit quiet from that (wide) draw and ended up near the back-end," McEvoy commented. "I like the way she got out and finished very well. Out in trip is going to suit her."

Explore the racing betting markets for the Up And Coming Stakes today.