Another Wil has set himself up for a stellar autumn kicking off his campaign in style when mowing down the mighty Mr Brightside in the 2025 CF Orr Stakes results at Caulfield to claim the season’s opening Group 1 race.

Ciaron Maher‘s outstanding Street Boss five-year-old was given a peach of a first-up ride by Jamie Melham who sat fifth on the home turn before charging late to secure victory in the Group 1 $750,000 CF Orr Stakes (1400m) in Melbourne.

It was the jockey’s first Group 1 success since her marriage to fellow hoop Ben Melham.

The defending champ and Caulfield 1400m specialist, Team Hayes‘ WFA hero Mr Brightside looked in a lovely position second to the front-running Schwarz on the final bend before hitting the lead 250m out from the line.

Another Wil came chasing hard however and those two broke clear of the pack to run stride-for-stride in a thrilling two-horse finish.

Mr Brightside ($2.60F) was just nabbed late losing few admirers when eventually settling for second beaten 0.35 lengths by the now Group 1 winning Another Wil ($3.30) with the two likely to face off again later in the autumn in what could be a new, key rivalry.

In a distant third five lengths off the winner was Steparty ($14) to complete the CF Orr Stakes trifecta.

The sky now looks the limit for the progressive Another Wil, runner-up in the Group 1 Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes last spring, who has the confidence of an elite level trophy in the cabinet ahead of the autumn majors.

“He’s a horse that’s always shown a lot of ability, and it’s great to see him deliver on the big stage,” Maher said after Another Wil nabbed a bob of the head victory to claim his maiden Group 1 success.

“Jamie gave him a perfect ride, and he showed his class in the final stages.

“We’ve always had a lot of faith in him, and it’s fantastic to see him get his Group 1 win.”

Maher has indicated that Another Wil will likely target the Group 1 $750,000 Futurity Stakes (1400m) back at the same track and distance on Blue Diamond Stakes Day on February 22 next up followed by a potential Group 1 $2.5 million Australian Cup (2000m) bid at Flemington on March 29.

Another Wil will be out to emulate Mr Brightside who completed the CF Orr Stakes – Futurity Stakes double last year.

Updated all-in 2025 Futurity Stakes odds online at Ladbrokes.com.au have him as the now $3.20 favourite to do so with Mr Brightside second elect following closely at $3.30.

As for futures betting on the Australian Cup 2025, Another Wil is currently at a more generous $11 quote.

2025 CF Orr Stakes Results

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