Brief
Trainer David Payne tests Persian Wonder and Proxima Dea in Gloaming Stakes
Payne fields his two three‑year‑olds in the $500,000 Gloaming Stakes, hoping the gelding and filly will earn Group 1 starts.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Rosehill trainer David Payne entered Persian Wonder and Proxima Dea in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes (1800 m) on Saturday, hoping the pair could secure Group 1 opportunities later in the spring.
What happened
The $500,000 Gloaming Stakes attracted a field that included the $4 TAB favourite Proxima Dea, drawn well with Zac Lloyd aboard, and the $15 hope Persian Wonder, a gelding from gate 10 ridden again by Ash Morgan. Payne also mentioned other runners such as Stormy Marco and Genesis Runner, both priced at $4.60.
What the reports add
According to the SMH article, Persian Wonder had won the Ming Dynasty Quality at Rosehill on 12 September, while Proxima Dea, a full sister to 2022 Queensland Oaks winner Gypsy Goddess, had previously beaten Doradus over 1800 m in the Midway grade. Payne noted that Proxima Dea had a trial on 29 August and was targeting the Group 1 Oaks (2500 m) on 5 November at Flemington.
What was said
Payne told the SMH, “They are both going well, but it’s quite a competitive race. The filly is on an Oaks mission so it will be interesting to see how she shapes up against those colts, but she’s fit and she will get much further than that.” He added, “He’s always given me the indication he wants the trip and he’s been finishing off strong over the 1400, so I think we’ll give them a crack.”
How it came about
Payne’s recent success with three‑year‑olds includes a win in the 2017 Gloaming Stakes with Ace High. Persian Wonder’s earlier form featured a second in the Group 3 Baillieu (1400 m) as a two‑year‑old and a sixth‑place finish in the Group 1 Champagne Stakes (1600 m). Payne hopes both horses will step up to the Spring Champion Stakes (2000 m) and, for Proxima Dea, ultimately the Oaks.
Key facts
- David Payne entered Persian Wonder and Proxima Dea in the Gloaming Stakes at Rosehill. (smh.com.au)
- Proxima Dea was the $4 TAB favourite and drew well with Zac Lloyd to ride. (smh.com.au)
- Persian Wonder had won the Ming Dynasty Quality on 12 September. (smh.com.au)
- Payne aims to target the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes and the Oaks for his two horses. (smh.com.au)
Sources
- [1] smh.com.au — originally reported as “Payne puts contrasting Spring Champion hopes to the test in Gloaming”
