Autumn Boy sharp and ready ahead of 2025 Golden Rose

Golden Rose contender Autumn Boy will attempt to follow in the footsteps of his sire The Autumn Sun, who won the same race seven years ago, and trainer Chris Waller believes the colt is cut from the same cloth.

Autumn Boy’s unbeaten two-year-old record ended with his second placing to stablemate Sixties in the Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m) on resumption this season, echoing The Autumn Sun’s first defeat as a three-year-old before going on a Group 1 winning spree.

Waller, who trained both horses, says the likeness is striking.

“His demeanour and he is also a very similar type,” Waller said.

“The Autumn Sun had an amazing attitude towards life. He enjoyed every minute of it and he showed that in his racing.

“He tried hard and he was a pleasure to deal with and this is a carbon copy.”

Autumn Boy will wear blinkers for the first time, a tactic that proved decisive in his sire’s Golden Rose triumph.

“When you’re getting old you follow old traditions and we did it with The Autumn Sun,” Waller said. “But I do think it will help him over 1400.”

The colt is one of four Waller-trained entries, alongside Wodeton, Beiwacht and Sixties, and the trainer is pleased with their barrier draws.

“If I could have picked their draws, I would have picked close to what they’ve got,” he said. “The draws will suit their racing styles.”

Bookmakers have installed Autumn Boy at $4.60 as the second favourite behind Tempted ($2.80), with Wodeton at $5, Beiwacht at $9, and Sixties rated a $16 outsider.

If you’re considering a punt on the Golden Rose, be sure to compare the best betting sites, leading bookmakers and trusted betting apps for the most competitive odds.