Persian Wonder's unexpected win in Ming Dynasty Quality delights Payne

Trainer David Payne was taken aback by the market assessment of Persian Wonder for the Ming Dynasty Quality at Rosehill, a sentiment that proved entirely justified as the gelding triumphed over several more fancied contenders.

Sent out at odds nearing $19, despite a commendable weight and an eye-catching fifth in the Up And Coming Stakes (1300m), Persian Wonder was guided by jockey Ash Morgan to avoid the early speed contest. The colt then produced a powerful finish from the midfield to claim an impressive victory.

"He's been a bit unlucky. I think he is learning to race now," Payne explained.

"He has taken a while, but he dropped three kilos from his last start, and he only got beaten a length or so by (Ming Dynasty rivals) Genesis Runner and Savagram. I thought, gee he comes into the race with a big chance."

"The form people, I don't think they're doing their job properly because his sectionals were very good and all he needs is a good pace and he's getting stronger."

Persian Wonder had shown promise at two, achieving a second placing in the Group 3 Baillieu (1400m) and concluding his preparation with an unplaced effort in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600m).

Given his strong finishing display over 1400m on Saturday, Payne is keen to extend the three-year-old's campaign over further distances. The Gloaming Stakes (1800m) at Rosehill on October 10 is slated as his next start, with a potential progression to the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) at Randwick a fortnight later, depending on his performance.

"He's not bred to get a trip, but everybody who rides him says he'll stay so we'll go to the Gloaming now," Payne commented.

"The Gloaming and the Spring Champion, if he stays, we might go there."

Morgan executed a superb tactical ride, keeping Persian Wonder in a trailing position from an inside gate, avoiding disruption. He followed James McDonald on Stormy Marco ($8) into the straight and managed to reel in the colt to win by a half-length, with Tenenbaum ($4.80) securing third place a further half-neck behind.

"James said, 'you have some balls going there', but I just wanted to hold my spot," Morgan admitted.

"I really like the horse. He has a lot of ability but is still working it out."

"James gave his a great ride, and I just wanted to follow him through and have the last crack at them."

This victory marked trainer David Payne's second stakes win within a fortnight, following Bangkok Hottie's triumph in the Silver Shadow Stakes (1200m) at Randwick the previous Saturday.

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