Sun rises to

the occasion

THE Autumn Sun, considered by many as ‘the next big thing’, returned to the racetrack on Saturday to contest the Group 2 Hobartville Stakes for three-year-olds.

The Chris Waller-trained Redoute’s Choice colt had not started since the Caulfield Guineas, and despite some lacklustre trails was sent out favourite in the six-horse field over 1,400 metres. Last and on the rail, Kerrin McEvoy played his hand with patience, finding clear galloping room before unfurling the colt once into the straight.

Vegadaze was proving no slouch, leading into the straight and kicking again for Tim Clark, but The Autumn Sun bore down on the leader with a sense of inevitability. the margin a half-length in his favour on the line but feeling like greater.

“That’s what good horses do,” said Waller. “It was a good win – that’s all he needed to do in my eyes and that will top him off nicely for the Randwick Guineas in two weeks’ time. The wet track probably took some of his brilliance away so watch out if he gets back on a good track next start.”

The Autumn Sun now moves to six wins from seven starts. The Lope De Vega gedling Vegadaze was second and Bondi, a Snitzel colt, was third.

Sebring passes

WIDDEN Stud is mourning the loss of Sebring following his sudden death. The 13-year-old stallion suffered a heart attack last Saturday. By More Than Ready, Sebring was a $130,000 Star Thoroughbreds yearling from the Gold Coast Magic Millions who won five of his six starts for Gai Waterhouse including the 2008 Golden Slipper and Sires’ Produce Stakes.

Retired as a two-year-old, Sebring was syndicated to stand at Widden Stud where he produced 51 stakes-winners and four Group 1 winners.

“Sebring was the horse of a lifetime, as a racehorse and a stallion, he changed lives,” said Widden’s Antony Thompson. Sebring stood the 2018 season at $66,000.

Irish-breds win over distances

MELBOURNE and Sydney both saw Irish-bred quinellas in the two distance races on offer at their feature meetings on Saturday. The Team Hayes-trained Sikandarabad jumped as favourite and defeated the Kodiac gelding Call Me Handsome in the $140,000 Mornington Cup Prelude over 2,000 metres at Caulfield.

While at Rosehill, the Kris Lees-trained Irish-bred quinella of the Red Cardinal (David Simcock and Andreas Wohler) and Big Duke (Michael Wigham) to win the $140,00 Parramatta Cup over 1,900 metres.

The pair were both with Darren Weir before being transferred by managing owners Australian Bloodstock.