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The Autumn Sun, racing’s $30 million colt, is poised to break a 15-year hoodoo by winning the Group 1 Caulfield Guineas tomorrow.
No horse has been able to win the Golden Rose-Caulfield Guineas double since In Top Swing achieved the feat in 2003.
But The Autumn Sun is an oddson favourite at $1.90 with TAB Fixed Odds to equal In Top Swing’s unique achievement by winning the $2 million feature over 1600m.
The Autumn Sun dominates betting on the Guineas primarily due to his stunning Golden Rose win three weeks ago.
Form guru Gary Crispe said The Autumn Sun had a clear ratings edge over his rivals tomorrow and predicted the best was still to come from the exciting three-year-old.
“I think The Autumn Sun has plenty more in the locker yet with the return to a mile expected to draw even more out of the star son of Redoute’s Choice,’’ Crispe said.
“The Autumn Sun goes into the Caulfield Guineas rated 120 on Timeform. Native Soldier and Oohood head the dangers on ratings but the former has to bring his form up to 1600m, which looks questionable, and the latter lacks the upside and star power of the market elect.’’
Crispe said although Golden Rose winners had struggled to convert in the Guineas, they hadn’t run poorly with four of those seven in the placings since In Top Swing’s victory.
“There have since been five horses come out of Golden Rose losses to win at Caulfield,’’ Crispe said.
“One of those, Press Statement, ran to a rating of 120 when winning the Caulfield Guineas. The similarly profiling The Autumn Sun is already rated that highly and looks a better prospect for the future.’’
Crispe said Gem Song went into the Guineas with a 112 rating but with scope for improvement.
“Gem Song ran a good race in the Dulcify last time and is quickly improving for a stable having a great run of late,’’ he said.
“It would be no shock to see him run a new peak on the back of his latest outing and that makes him good enough to run a placing.’’
Article taken from Daily Telegraph, published Friday 12th October 2018, Author, Ray Thomas, Page 40.
