Sydney jockey Jason Collett is optimistic about his chances in the upcoming Spring Champion Stakes at Randwick on October 24, confident that the Chris Waller-trained colt Wonka can handle the step up to 2,000 meters. The A$2 million Group 1 race for three-year-olds marks the first time all nine entrants will contest this distance, prompting some caution from Collett regarding Wonka’s stamina.

Collett, who has previously won the Spring Champion Stakes this season aboard Montefilla, noted that an economical early pace will be crucial for Wonka to maintain his strength through the longer trip. “If he gets a soft enough run, he can see it out, and I think he’ll be strong late,” Collett said, highlighting the colt’s finishing acceleration as a key asset.

Wonka, a son of Snitzel, comes into the race well-prepared, with the Spring Champion Stakes representing his sixth outing of the current campaign. He has recorded two wins, including a victory in the Listed Dulcify Quality over 1,600 meters at Randwick on October 3. Most recently, he finished a close second to stablemate Proxima Dea in the Group 3 Gloaming Stakes at Rosehill on October 10, a 1,800-meter event where he contested the finish strongly.

Collett has ridden Wonka in four of the horse’s six starts and has been pleased with his development. Early in his preparation, the colt showed signs of inexperience, sometimes attempting to race too aggressively, but he has since matured into a more professional competitor, according to Collett. The jockey also pointed out that a favorable barrier draw for the Spring Champion could enhance Wonka’s prospects.

In addition to his partnership with Wonka, Collett is set to ride another Waller-trained runner, Central Europe, in the Group 3 Callander-Prestnell Stakes over 1,600 meters. This will be their first meeting since the Frankel colt’s juvenile season. Central Europe made his debut in the Group 2 Skyline Stakes in February, narrowly missing victory by a nose.

Despite remaining a maiden after six starts, Central Europe returns to Sydney following lower-grade races after finishing 10th and fourth in the Group 1 Golden Rose and Caulfield Guineas respectively, where he competed against notable rivals including Warwoman, a Cox Plate contender. Collett expressed confidence in Central Europe’s ability to handle the mile distance and labeled him a “good hope” in the Callander-Prestnell.

Central Europe will be part of a Waller trio in the event, joined by stablemates Omo-long and Lafite. While both have secured wins at lower levels—Omo-long winning twice—they have yet to compete at the elite level experienced by Central Europe. Collett’s rides on both horses will be closely watched as the campaign progresses.