Autumn Boy shines in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas

Autumn Boy announced himself as Australia’s newest Group 1 star, taking out the $3 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield and following in the hoofsteps of his sire, The Autumn Sun — also trained by Chris Waller.

The $4.20 chance gave Waller and jockey Damian Lane back-to-back wins in the prestigious three-year-old classic, defeating Planet Red ($31) by three-quarters of a length with Observer ($21) close behind in third. It was also the first Group 1 victory for any progeny of The Autumn Sun.

“We’re proud of every horse that passes through the stable, but when you’ve trained the father and now his son, it’s something special,” Waller said. “Autumn Glow did it last week, and now Autumn Boy — it’s been a great fortnight.”

Waller revealed the Guineas had been a target for months. After debuting with a win at Canterbury, Autumn Boy went on to claim the Listed Tatts Stakes in Brisbane and finish second in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Stakes. His unplaced effort in the Golden Rose didn’t dent confidence.

“It was a track record time,” Waller said. “He actually ran a good race — the sectionals proved it. We didn’t lose faith, and bringing him down early to Caulfield gave him time to settle in.”

While a Cox Plate (2040m) start remains an option, Waller said it’s more likely Autumn Boy will be saved for future targets. “I don’t usually run them that young in the Cox Plate,” he said. “He’s still learning, but he’s a very exciting horse.”

Lane echoed the praise. “He’s a beautiful, professional colt with a real turn of foot,” he said. “When I asked him, he responded instantly. That’s what makes Group 1 winners.”

Autumn Boy is now among the leading three-year-olds of the spring. For full betting odds on his next start, visit Australia’s leading betting sites.