The decision by trainer Chris Waller to spell star three year old The Autumn Sun has put an end to any speculation of a clash with his glamour stablemate Winx in the Group 1 $4m Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick on Day Two of The Championships on April 13.
The Autumn Sun, above, is to be sent to the spelling paddock following his win in the 2019 Rosehill Guineas at Rosehill. Photo by Steve Hart.
Winx will be saying goodbye the racing public when she chases her thirty-third consecutive win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and a clash with The Autumn Sun had been an option for the colt’s connections.
The Autumn Sun had to use all of his class and ability to wear down the Kiwi three year old Arrogant to claim a fifth Group 1 win in the $600,000 Sky Racing Rosehill Guineas (2000m) on a heavy Rosehill track last Saturday.
While Waller said that The Autumn Sun had pulled up in fine order, the leading trainer still believes the best course of action is to send the Redoute’s Choice colt to the paddock for a well-deserved break.
“This decision was formed on the basis that he is still is a young horse who is continuing to grow and develop,’’ Waller said.
“Whilst it may not be seen in that light by racing enthusiasts and his growing fan base, it is my job as his trainer to look after these horses to ensure they can be followed and continue their careers with distinction.
“It is not my job to make a decision on when he retires, however it is my job to manage the horse to the best of my ability and I take great pride in what has been achieved thus far.’’
Waller is very confident if The Autumn Sun returns for a 2019 Spring Carnival preparation, he would continue to stamp himself as one of the stars of the Australian turf, but there is a distinct possibility that the colt will join the stallion roster at Arrowfield Stud who own a major part of the colt.
“Providing The Autumn Sun returns for another preparation, and one which I am fully endorsing, I am extremely excited by what may be able to be achieved as a four-year-old,’’ Waller said.
“The ownership group are yet to meet regarding his future, however we look forward to doing so to both reflect on what he has achieved and discuss what his future may hold.’’
Arrowfield Stud lost their top ranked stallion Redoute’s Choice this week and his son The Autumn Sun, would be able to slot comfortably straight into the stallion barn.
The Autumn Sun has eight wins from nine race starts which includes five Group 1 wins and has earned $3,489,121 in prizemoney.
Early betting for the 2019 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Ladbrokes.com.au: $1.10 Winx, $11 Avilius, $15 Happy Clapper, $21 He’s Eminent, $26 Hartnell, $34 Danzdanzdance, $51 Ace High, Alizee, Aloisia, Fifty Stars, Grunt, I Am Serious, Kaonic, Land Of Plenty, Madison County, Night’s Watch, Noble Mars, On The Rocks, Rekindling, Ringerdingding, Shillelagh, The Taj Mahal, Unforgotten, $67 or better the rest.
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