Autumn Boy claims Caulfield Guineas treble following sire and grandsire
Updated . First published at
Autumn Boy has won the Group One $3 million Caulfield Guineas at Caulfield Racecourse on Saturday afternoon, securing a sensational victory in the spring feature.
On the opening day of the Caufield Cup Carnival, the Chris Waller-trained colt was the first over the line in the 1600m race, claiming one of Australia's premier races for three-year-olds and enhancing his status as a potential "stallion-making" prospect.
Autumn Boy's win extends a phenomenal dynasty in the race, as he is the son of the previous Caulfield Guineas winner, The Autumn Sun (2018), and the grandson of champion sire Redoute's Choice (1999).
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Autumn Boy, ridden by Damian Lane, wins Race 8, the Group 1 Sportsbet Caulfield Guineas. Vince Caligiur via Getty Images
Sent off at $3.80 from the historically favourable barrier one, Autumn Boy settled just behind the early leaders.
Jockey Damian Lane had to overcome a difficult passage, muscling the colt into the clear at the top of the straight to launch his winning run.
Autumn Boy crossed the line in a slick 1 minute and 36.30 seconds.
Planet Red ran a strong second, with Observer rounding out the top three placings.
The win sees Waller and Lane successfully defend their title, securing back-to-back triumphs in the classic race after Private Life's victory last year.
The Autumn Sun also won the Caulfield Guineas under the guidance of Waller. The Sydney trainer now has four titles dating back to 2015.
Jockey Damian Lane and trainer Chris Waller celebrate after Autumn Boy's victory in Caulfield Guineas. Vince Caligiuri via Getty Images
"I guess it does [mean more this one]," he told Seven post-race.
"We are proud of all the horses that go through our stables, but when they're champions like The Autumn Sun and you get to train their sons and daughters, it's pretty special."
The heavily backed favourite, Wodeton, disappointed, finishing well back in 10th place. The colt was supported from $4.20 to $2.90 before jumping from barrier eight.
Wodeton was slightly checked at the start and raced back in the field. Despite being ridden hard around the bend, he failed to respond and made no ground in the straight.
The race has a rich history, dating back to 1881, and its honour roll includes many champions of the Australian turf, including Lonhro (2001) and Anamoe (2021).
