Chris Waller and Darren Weir’s hopefuls have drawn side by side ahead of this Saturday’s $2 million Caulfield Guineas (1600m).
Race favourite The Autumn Sun has drawn barrier four, while Caulfield Guineas Prelude (1400m) winner Native Soldier has drawn barrier five.
The Autumn Sun, trained by Waller, was a class above in the Group 1 Golden Rose Stakes (1400m) a fortnight ago, while Weir’s speedy sprinter was equally impressive claiming Group 3 glory by a convincing two-lengths.
The Autumn Sun, above, ran a blistering time of 1:22.24 in the Golden Rose Stakes at Rosehill a fortnight ago.
Waller’s prized Group 1 winner enters as the early $2.00 favourite with Ladbrokes, and the champion trainer likes what he’s seen from the three-year old in the lead up to this weekend’s race.
“He did everything right,” Waller told Racing.com following The Autumn Sun’s early morning gallop at Caulfield.
“Finished his work off nicely, very relaxed and quickened up at the right time. Everything I saw I was happy with, and he’s spot on for Saturday.”
Having already won two Group 1’s – the Golden Rose at Rosehill and the J.J. Atkins Stakes (1600m) at Doomben – all eyes will be on The Autumn Sun as he makes his Caulfield debut this weekend, a track that might make some punters nervous.
“Caulfield hasn’t just been a thought in the last two weeks, it’s been well thought of in the last six to eight weeks” Waller said.
“I guess bring him here this morning, gets him familiar with Caulfield, he’s been in the parade ring, he’s been out on the track, up the straight, you name it… he ticks every box.”
With James McDonald on board for the first time on Saturday, it’s likely we see a very patient ride from the pair. The Autumn Sun sat well-back in the Golden Rose, but figures to sit midfield two-back off the pace and storm home late.
Likewise, Native Soldier and jockey Ben Allen will be hoping for a similar run, although it’s likely we see the colt out of Sepoy race up on the speed early. Native Soldier ran the fastest early sectional of the Caulfield Guineas Prelude, as well as the third-fastest final furlong.
He currently stands as the $7.00 second-elect with Ladbrokes.
Full Caulfield Guineas odds can be seen below.
