Hobartville Stakes next for blinkers-off Autumn Boy

Champion rider James McDonald is confident Autumn Boy can do without blinkers for his fresh start in the Hobartville Stakes.

On Saturday, McDonald guided the three-year-old colt through a solo 1000m workout between races at Randwick, clocking 1:08.25 and powering home strongly at the end.

Autumn Boy is primed to make his comeback in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill next Saturday, his return following victory in the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) during spring.

Blinkers were fitted for the Group 1 success, but post-gallop conversations with McDonald have led Waller to suggest they'll be absent for the colt's campaign launch.

"We're probably going to leave the blinkers off," Waller said.

"James doesn't think he needs them. We just put them on in the Golden Rose and the [Caulfield] Guineas.

"He's a very honest horse."

According to Waller, the colt has grown during his time off, but the standout trait aiding him is his composed nature.

With only five prior starts, the three-year-old has, per his trainer, 'learned to be a racehorse', facing age rivals first in the Hobartville Stakes and Randwick Guineas (1600m), after which Waller eyes potential clashes with elders.

"There are some good races on offer, and he might get a sniff of racing against the older horses as well, so plenty of tests," Waller said.

Wodeton, another from the stable, has been nominated for the Hobartville Stakes, and Waller will finalise his spot later in the week. The top online bookmakers offer great value on the Hobartville Stakes markets.

The post Caulfield Guineas winner warms up for Hobartville Stakes return first appeared on Just Horse Racing.