The Autumn Sun to be spelled

[Chief Stipe]

The Autumn Sun will be sent for a spell with a decision still pending on his racing future.

The valuable colt claimed his fifth Group One win in Saturday’s Rosehill Guineas in a tough slog on a heavy track.

Trainer Chris Waller said he had advised the owners, who include John Messara of Arrowfield Stud where The Autumn Sun will eventually stand, the colt should be rested.

“This decision was formed on the basis that he is still is a young horse who is continuing to grow and develop and 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,” Waller said in a statement.

“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 detailed his reasons:

“This time last year he had not commenced his racing career and since his first start on April 25, 2018 he has now had nine starts including five Group One wins.

“As a two-year-old he had his first race start less than 12 months ago on April 25 over 1200 metres which saw him run 1:08.6 at Randwick, and on that occasion he came from well back on the turn to pull away late for a brilliant victory.

“Also at two, he tackled a Group One race at only his third start which he managed to win, defeating two very good horses in Zousain and Fundamentalist.

“Following his first Group One win, he was given a let up before resuming over 1500 metres as a spring three-year-old on a very heavy track and as a victim of circumstances suffered his only ever defeat.

“In his second start as a three-year-old, he dropped back to 1400 metres for the Gr. 1 Golden Rose, and from the outside barrier came from last to first to come away with his second Group One win in what is regarded as one of Australia’s premier stallion-making races.

“At his third start in the spring he raced in Melbourne in the Gr. 1 Caulfield Guineas, his first attempt racing left-handed and came away with a four-and-a-half-length win.

“Following a spell, he returned for his autumn preparation which has seen his winning sequence continue, where he has now extended his record to eight wins in 10 months of racing.

“This horse has exceptional ability and that has allowed him to win five Group One races at this very early age and in an immature state.”

Waller has publicly said he would like to train The Autumn Sun as a four-year-old and would outline his reasons to the ownership group, which is yet to meet to make a decision.

That decision may be influenced by the death yesterday of The Autumn Sun’s champion sire Redoute’s Choice at Arrowfield at the age of 22.

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