Autumn Boy's Spring Campaign: Unfinished Business Awaits
Prominent trainer Chris Waller believes star colt Autumn Boy has unfinished business to attend to this spring, with the intention to achieve what his father, The Autumn Sun, could not.
The Autumn Sun, also trained by Waller, boasts an impressive record of eight wins from nine starts before his retirement at the end of his three-year-old season to stand at John Messara's Arrowfield Stud.
Waller maintains that The Autumn Sun could have achieved even more as an older horse, a path that Autumn Boy is now set to follow.
"The Autumn Sun – and I think Mr Messara would agree – would have been even better at four, but his value was so high he had to be retired," Waller revealed. "He won five Group One races and only raced for twelve months. When I (first) saw him at the farm, I said, 'Wow. Imagine if he was in work now'.
"We've got that opportunity with Autumn Boy. He's racing on at four and I'm excited about that. There is unfinished business with what we didn't quite see with The Autumn Sun. He might have pressed Winx in a Cox Plate."
Autumn Boy has been carefully handled, with his four victories including Group 1 wins in the Caulfield and Rosehill Guineas, races that his sire also conquered in the 2018-19 season.
The colt has completed one quiet barrier trial and is slated for another, with the Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick on August 22 being considered as a potential season opener.
"He's come back amazing," Waller stated. "Maybe I'm getting ahead of myself because we haven't really tested him, but everything we have asked him to do, he's done it well.
"His attitude is fantastic. You hear me talk about attitudes a lot and that's the difference with a (good) colt is their attitude."
Autumn Boy's most recent start saw him finish runner-up to Sheza Alibi in the Doncaster Mile (1600m). He is a prominent figure in the early betting markets for several key spring features, including the Epsom Handicap (1600m), for which he is rated an $8 chance, and the Golden Eagle (1500m), where he is listed at $11.
He is a strong contender for the Epsom Handicap, and you can compare racing betting markets at online bookmakers.
More Racing News
McDonald guides Columbus to Randwick-Kensington win
Champion jockey James McDonald has been rewarded for his enduring support of Columbus, sticking with the horse through a couple of recent setbacks to secure a midweek victory at Randwick's Kensington track.The son of Dundeel, a horse McDonald rode to six Group 1 victories, was initially earmarked as a potential...
Warnie's masterclass shines in delayed Chautauqua Stakes
The transformation of Warnie into a more composed galloper, a change attributed to his gelding, is now clearly evident in his racetrack performances for Ciaron Maher.During the Group 3 Chautauqua Stakes (1300m) at Sandown on Wednesday, Warnie maintained a relaxed rhythm before launching an impressive finishing surge.This Group 3 race...
St Gotthard poised for Run To The Rose challenge
The considerable, yet largely unproven, talent of the colt St Gotthard is set to be unveiled when he contests a strong field of three-year-olds in a vital lead-up to the Golden Rose at Rosehill.As a sibling to the promising young sire Switzerland, St Gotthard faces his most significant test in...
Archer Stakes winner earns Melbourne Cup entry
The imported stayer Nearco Frod is aiming for his fifth consecutive win and a berth in the Melbourne Cup when he contests the Archer Stakes at Flemington.Tony and Calvin McEvoy's charge will compete in the Group 3 Archer Stakes (2500m) on Saturday, with the winner gaining automatic entry into the...
Mr Brightside eyes historic fourth Makybe Diva Stakes win
Champion galloper Mr Brightside, a star from the Lindsay Park stable, is poised to continue his perfect streak in a prominent Group 1 race at Flemington.The Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m), scheduled for Flemington on Saturday, has been a happy hunting ground for Mr Brightside over the past three years, with...
Lloyd's confidence high for Verona Rose in Theo Marks Stakes bid
Jockey Zac Lloyd is slated to partner the Group-winning mare Verona Rose for his debut ride in the Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill, a decision spurred by her impressive showing in a recent barrier trial.Lloyd was on board when the five-year-old contested a 742-metre trial. Despite predictions that she would...
Tributes flow for racing legend Paddy Payne Snr
Australian racing bids farewell to the distinguished Ballarat horseman Paddy Payne Snr, who passed away at the age of 90. He was widely regarded as the patriarch of one of the sport's most celebrated families.Paddy and his late wife, Mary, were the parents of ten children, many of whom became...
Flemington straight appearance for Oliveanotherday
The Warrnambool-trained sprinter Oliveanotherday is set to gain experience in the Flemington straight as the gelding's current racing schedule begins to crystallise.Oliveanotherday has achieved an impressive five consecutive wins, and his next outing is slated for the Group 2 Bobbie Lewis Quality over 1200 metres on Saturday.This race offers Oliveanotherday...
Midnight In Tokyo's next target pondered by trainer Pollard
Trainer Todd Pollard is not resting on his laurels with the in-form mare Midnight In Tokyo, admitting that any further achievements this Spring would be a welcome bonus.The seven-year-old mare recently secured a victory in the Group 3 Show County Quality over 1200 metres, marking her inaugural Group level win...
Waller's potential quintet for Makybe Diva Stakes
From the 15 horses nominated for the Group 1 Makybe Diva Stakes (1600m) at Flemington, trainer Chris Waller has entered five. Barrier draws and race shape will ultimately dictate whether all five, namely Aeliana, Autumn Boy, Birdman, Buckaroo, and Ohope Wins, will compete.Waller has secured victory in the Makybe Diva...