The Autumn Sun has issued a warning to his rivals as the Group One JJ Atkins looms on the horizon for the talented colt.
The Chris Waller-trained two-year-old confirmed his rating as a leading chance for the $600,000 JJ Atkins Stakes at Doomben on June 9 with a comprehensive victory in his lead-up race, the Energy Air Plate (1400m) at Randwick.
Sent out the $2 favourite, The Autumn Sun cruised to the line a length clear of Royal Celebration ($9.50).
Whiteley ($7) recovered from a slow start to claim third, a long neck further back.
“He’s going to a Group One in his next race, he very much had to prove it today and he did exactly that,” said Waller’s racing manager Charlie Duckworth.
“I’m sure he’ll come on from the run and the extra 200 metres in two weeks will suit him down to the ground.
“The mile will suit him more and if they really run along it’ll play right into his hands.”
“It takes him a little bit of time to find his rhythm he was very strong and when Brenton gave him a flick at the 100 he really knuckled down.”
Avdulla was also impressed after The Autumn Sun back up his debut win in style.
“He does little things wrong but to his credit I was able to ride him like a good horse,” he said.
“He was stamping his authority late with them. They weren’t making a margin on to him, he was just floating there, playing games with them.”
