Emerging colts Sixties and Autumn Boy have all but booked their spots in the Group One Golden Rose after turning in impressive performances to finish one-two in the Ming Dynasty Quality at Rosehill.
While Sixties ($7) came away from Saturday’s 1400m contest with bragging rights, the previously unbeaten Autumn Boy ($2.60 fav) lost nothing in defeat, taking ground off his stablemate right to the line to go down by a half-length.
Chris Waller’s assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said he expected both three-year-olds to press on to the Golden Rose (1400m) in two weeks adding that Sixties, a brother to Group 1 winner Artorius, did a great job to dominate from the front.
“He was very tough. He has beaten a very good horse too, so full credit to the horse’s performance and the ride Rachel (King) gave him,” Duckworth said.
“She was able to dictate and do things her own way and to be fair, he gave a dominant kick at the top of the straight.
“I think he has to (go to the Golden Rose). It is a massive stallion-making race and he will put himself right in the market now.”
While Sixties had race fitness on his side, Autumn Boy was first-up at Rosehill and had to concede the winner 3-1/2 kilos.
Duckworth felt he would improve significantly fitness-wise and conceded he wasn’t unlike his sire, The Autumn Sun, whose only defeat came in the 2018 Stan Fox Stakes (1500m) before he rebounded to claim the Golden Rose (1400m).
“There was a bit of vulnerability with him with the top weight and the rail being out but he has flashed home in amazing fashion,” Duckworth said.
“His old man actually got beaten first-up as a three-year-old and then remained unbeaten so if he can echo that everyone will be happy.”
Without Peer ($11) did a good job to stick to his task, another 2-3/4 lengths away third after being trapped wide throughout and trainer Ciaron Maher indicated he would head towards the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m).
