Epsom Handicap draw results in steady market

The barrier draw for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap has concluded, and the market remains largely stable, promising an exciting Trans-Tasman showdown.

Autumn Boy continues to lead the field at $3.50 for the prestigious 1600m event at Royal Randwick, having secured the coveted barrier one. Following closely is the undefeated New Zealand mare, Well Written, a $4.50 chance, who drew barrier three.

The only other runner in the top tier of betting is Joseph Pride's charge, Attica, priced at $7. Attica will benefit from barrier six and a handicap weight of just 51.5kg, representing a 4kg swing on Autumn Boy for a two-length margin in the Randwick Guineas, where Attica finished behind Sheza Alibi.

Attica is one of two entries for Joseph Pride, who also fields the topweight and reigning 2024 Epsom Handicap victor, Ceolwulf. Ceolwulf is rated at $11, with forecasts indicating potential light rain, ranging from 0-6mm on Friday to 1-15mm on Saturday.

Trainer Chris Waller, a six-time winner of the Epsom Handicap, is aiming to match the record of seven wins held by Gai Waterhouse and her father, T J Smith.

Waller, who has trained two of the last three Epsom winners, will present seven of the 19 runners. Assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth confirmed that Autumn Boy is en route from Melbourne, having performed admirably when finishing second to Sheza Alibi in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington at its second start this preparation.

"He's got a nice draw," Duckworth remarked about barrier one. "Obviously you're sort of hoping you don't draw 17,18,19 but you also sort of hope you're not 1 either but look beggars can't be choosers. The only horse that's beaten him over a mile is Sheza Alibi and she's a freak. He's reasonably well-weighted and happy to have James (McDonald) back on."

Attica has been a notable mover in the Epsom Handicap betting, now at $7 and the third favourite for Joseph Pride. Jason Walsh, Godolphin's Racing and Bloodstock manager, confirmed that this has been the horse's primary target for the season.

"This has been his early season target," Walsh conveyed. "Joe's done a beautiful job preparing him for it. Obviously in the Tramway we felt he was very good in a really hot edition of that race, so back to handicap conditions and we think he's been allocated a weight that will see him very competitive."

Godolphin also fields Tom Kitten, who secured second place behind Ceolwulf in the 2024 edition. The three-time Group One winner drew barrier four.

Meanwhile, in the Group 1 Flight Stakes, also run over a mile, seven fillies are scheduled to compete. Joint favourites are Striking Alibi (barrier 2) and Global Goal (barrier 5), with Bangkok Hottie (barrier 3) completing the leading trio after her recent victory over the pair in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m).

The betting markets for the Epsom Handicap remain competitive, with Autumn Boy a popular choice. You can find the latest racing odds at online bookmakers.