Autumn Boy Value Skyrockets After Guineas

Brilliance and poise combined at Caulfield as Autumn Boy produced a defining performance to capture the $3 million Gr1 Caulfield Guineas (1600m), confirming his status as one of the Southern Hemisphere's most valuable stallion prospects. According to racing.com, the colt by The Autumn Sun threaded through a tight pocket on the turn before bursting clear to defeat Planet Red by three-quarters of a length, leading home a one-two finish for Magic Millions graduates. For Chris Waller, it was a second consecutive Guineas triumph with jockey Damian Lane, and a particularly satisfying one given the colt's sire also carried his colours in this same race. "We're proud of all the horses that come through the stable," Waller said. "But when we've got champions like The Autumn Sun and now sons and daughters coming through, it's pretty special." The Caulfield Guineas had been the long-term target following the colt's stakes success in Queensland over winter. "That looked his race," Waller noted. "We like to identify talent early and aim them at the big ticket item. It's such an important race in a colt's career - the one that announces them on the big stage." He praised owners Glenn and Charlie Ritchie for their faith after the horse's seventh placing in the Golden Rose, a race run in record time that left back-markers with little chance. "We didn't lose faith," he said. "The form guys said he was the one, and sure enough, they were right. Damian Lane executed a measured ride, using barrier speed to secure position before easing off heels approaching the bend. "He's a beautiful colt, takes everything in his stride," Lane said. "I was in a bit of a tricky spot at the corner, but once I found room, he put the race away pretty quick. He's very easy to handle and has that great turn of foot you need for these big races." The win took Autumn Boy's record to five starts for three wins, two placings and more than $2 million in stakes. Waller acknowledged the temptation of the Cox Plate but indicated restraint. "He's only had four or five starts. I don't normally run them at weight-for-age this early, but we'll see how the picture looks next week. He's still a baby." Bred by Richard Rutherford and sold through Amarina Farm at the 2024 Magic Millions Gold Coast Sale for $200,000 to Waller and Guy Mulcaster, the colt continues a rapid spring rise for his sire The Autumn Sun, who was also represented by Epsom Handicap heroine Autumn Glow a week ago. Autumn Boy is the second winner from the unraced Savabeel mare Rosegarden, herself out of Gr3 White Robe Lodge Handicap winner O'Reilly Rose. That mare, a three-quarter sister to Newmarket Handicap winner and Shamexpress, sire of Ka Ying Rising, continues to produce athletic, scopey stock - and her latest Guineas-winning grandson may soon enhance that legacy further at stud.

A boy no longer - Autumn Boy (pic: Mark Gatt)