Waller ups Autumn Boy to mile and half for Rosehill Guineas Cox Plate trial
To gauge Autumn Boy’s prospects as a Cox Plate contender come spring, Chris Waller is stretching the colt to 2000 metres for the debut time in the Rosehill Guineas.
Saturday’s Golden Slipper meeting featured consideration of the George Ryder Stakes (1500m) for the youngster, yet despite the conflict with unblemished barnmate Autumn Glow, Waller insisted the Guineas choice avoids her deliberately.
"We could have gone the shorter option for him and run into Autumn Glow in a George Ryder and Doncaster, and we could still go to a Doncaster," Waller said.
"But I want to know whether he is a solid, 2000-metre horse to see whether he's in a Cox Plate when he comes back in the spring."
Autumn Boy, triumphant in the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas over 1600 metres, recorded a third behind Ninja in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) and was narrowly beaten by promising Sheza Alibi in the Randwick Guineas (1600m) in his two preparation efforts.
Peter Moody, co-trainer, has locked in the Doncaster Mile (1600m) for the filly, removing Sheza Alibi as an obstacle at Rosehill, with Waller forecasting a peak performance from Autumn Boy post his two runs.
"He ran into a pretty smart one last week, but he will be ready to peak as well third-up," he said.
No blinkers were used on Autumn Boy this time around, unlike last preparation, and Waller confirmed they stay off for the weekend.
Autumn Boy aims to mirror sire The Autumn Sun, who won the 2018 Caulfield Guineas and followed up with the Rosehill Guineas next year.
Stable companion Providence, who was seventh in the Randwick Guineas, bypasses the Group 1 on Saturday for the Group 3 Carbine Club Stakes (1600m) at Randwick April 4 and Frank Packer Plate (2000m) a fortnight hence, per Waller.
Discover online bookmakers offering the keenest betting markets for the Rosehill Guineas.
More Racing News
Extragalactic's Flemington mission in McEwen Stakes
While many in the racing world will lament the closure of the old Moonee Valley track, trainer Trent Edmonds isn't lamenting the timing of its renovation.This Saturday marks the first Cox Plate meeting to be held away from 'The Valley', and Edmonds is set to be at Flemington with Extragalactic,...
Blind Raise's faith rewarded with Cox Plate start
Trent Busuttin is aware that if the primary goal was to secure a Group 1 victory, the more prudent strategy would be to send Blind Raise to Sydney for this Saturday's Spring Champion Stakes.Nevertheless, he also recognises that the type of opportunity that has arisen this year is not a...
Caulfield Cup fall victim Half Yours is back home and doing well
Good news has emerged regarding the riders involved in the Caulfield Cup, with the Victorian Jockeys Association reporting both have been discharged from hospital.Mark Zahra and Jye McNeil were transported to the Alfred Hospital after a dramatic fall during the Caulfield Cup on Saturday.The sequence of events saw Half Yours,...
Mr Brightside's Flemington Mile participation uncertain
The Lindsay Park training outfit, comprising Ben, Will, and J D Hayes, will hold off on confirming Mr Brightside's start at Flemington until the acceptance stage.Mr Brightside is expected to be nominated for the Group 2 Kia Ora Stud Mile (1600m) this Saturday, though Ben Hayes indicated he is only...
Warwoven's Cox Plate Prospects to be Decided by King's Ride
Melbourne's racing scene is abuzz as Sydney jockey Rachel King prepares to reunite with Warwoven for a crucial track gallop. This workout is designed to give the final go-ahead for the Bjorn Baker-trained colt's potential entry into the esteemed Cox Plate at Flemington.King, who celebrated a Caulfield Guineas victory aboard...
Infancy's The Invitation prospects while in foal
Dual stakes winner Infancy is eagerly awaiting a potential start in the $2 million The Invitation at Randwick, a race that could significantly boost her career accolades before she transitions to her role as a broodmare.The six-year-old mare has recently been served by the promising young sire Anamoe. Her trainer,...
Tempted claims The Everest crown in thrilling renewal
The tenth running of The Everest delivered a familiar outcome at the top but with a new champion crowned, as Tempted outdueled Ka Ying Rising before a record-breaking crowd of 52,110.For trainer Ciaron Maher, this victory represents his second success in The Everest, building on Bella Nipotina's triumph in 2024....
Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph
Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was,...
Gavin Bedggood celebrates biggest win as Kingswood triumphs in Caulfield Cup
Trainer Gavin Bedggood has achieved his career-defining success with Kingswood winning the Caulfield Cup.The Group 1 Caulfield Cup (2400m) on Saturday was claimed by the UK-bred import Kingswood, marking Bedggood's most significant achievement, eclipsing his previous best in the 2024 Moir Stakes at Moonee Valley.Bedggood, who was a proficient jumps...
Apocalyptic finds her best form in the Silver Eagle
While it was a supporting event on The Everest undercard, Apocalyptic's triumphant return to the winner's circle on Saturday was a considerable achievement for trainer Michael Freedman and jockey Tommy Berry.The mare, a Group 1 victor of last year's Flight Stakes, had been underperforming in the autumn and her initial...