Up And Coming a target for race-fit Wonder

Trainer David Payne will focus on the early season three-year-old features with Gr.3 placegetter Persian Wonder (NZ) (Hello Youmzain), starting with the Gr.3 Up And Coming Stakes (1300m) at Rosehill.

The decorated trainer confirmed he would nominate the gelding for next Saturday's Rosehill feature with the intention of running, pending the make-up of the final field and barrier draw.

"We'll put him in and have a look at it," Payne said.

"He's had the two runs, so he will be pretty fit. He's getting stronger all the time."

An eye-catching fourth behind Warwoven (Sword Of State) in the Gr.3 Pago Pago Stakes (1200m) in March, Persian Wonder backed it up with a solid second to Southend in the Gr.3 Baillieu (1400m).

He was spelled after finishing down the track in the Gr.1 Champagne Stakes (1600m) in April, but showed he had returned in good order with a gritty maiden win at Canterbury in July.

Stepped up to Saturday company against older horses, Persian Wonder carried equal topweight and turned in a game effort to be beaten two lengths by Avista.

With several horses likely to be resuming in the Up And Coming Stakes on Saturday, Payne is hoping Persian Wonder's fitness edge will be advantageous, albeit the horse's main goal will be the Gr.3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) a fortnight later.

"He ran here in a rating race last start and went well. He finished just behind them with top weight," Payne said.

"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 races at Rosehill, along with the  Gr.3 San Domenico Stakes (1100m) which is expected to feature the return of Golden Slipper winner Guest House.