Chris Waller’s stable flexed its muscle at Rosehill Gardens, with two of his most promising three-year-olds stamping their authority on the road to spring glory. Sixties and Autumn Boy fought out a thrilling finish in the Group 3 Ming Dynasty Quality (1400m), leaving racing fans buzzing about their prospects in the upcoming Golden Rose – a race widely considered a defining stallion-making contest.
Sixties ($7), a full brother to Group 1 star Artorius, took control of the race from the jump. Guided by Rachel King, the colt dictated terms from the front and showed his toughness when challenged in the straight, producing a decisive kick to hold off his highly rated stablemate Autumn Boy ($2.60 favourite). The winning margin was half a length, but the manner of victory spoke volumes about Sixties’ ability and temperament.
While it was Autumn Boy’s first career defeat, the returning colt lost few admirers. Carrying top weight and forced to reel in a tearaway leader, he surged late and showed that class and determination remain on his side.
Praise for Sixties’ Breakthrough
Waller’s trusted assistant Charlie Duckworth was quick to heap praise on the front-running victor, acknowledging both the colt’s raw ability and the tactical ride from Rachel King.
“He was very tough,” Duckworth said. “He has beaten a very good horse too, so full credit to the horse’s performance and the ride Rachel gave him. He dictated and gave a dominant kick at the top of the straight. He has to go to the Golden Rose – it’s a massive stallion-making race.”
For connections of Sixties, the win couldn’t have come at a better time. The Golden Rose, run over 1400m, has consistently produced future stars of the breeding barn. A colt with the pedigree of Sixties – already related to Group 1 winners – now carries momentum and credibility into the prestigious contest.
Autumn Boy to Improve with Racing
Though narrowly beaten, Autumn Boy’s performance suggested his campaign is tracking towards bigger things. Duckworth drew parallels between the colt’s progression and the career of his illustrious sire The Autumn Sun, who famously lost first-up in the 2018 Stan Fox Stakes before rebounding to win the Golden Rose and secure his place among Australia’s most exciting stallions.
“There was a bit of vulnerability with the top weight and rail out, but he flashed home in amazing fashion,” Duckworth explained. “His old man got beaten first-up and then stayed unbeaten, so hopefully he can echo that.”
For punters and connections alike, the run hinted at even sharper improvement to come as fitness builds. Autumn Boy will likely strip fitter at his next outing, and the Golden Rose looms as the natural target – a clash that could provide redemption against his stablemate.
Without Peer Shows Staying Promise
Away from the battle of Waller’s pair, there was merit in the run of Without Peer ($11), who finished third after covering ground and being forced to work throughout. Beaten 3¼ lengths, the colt stuck on bravely and looks destined for a step up in trip. Trainer Ciaron Maher indicated that Without Peer is being aimed towards the Group 1 Spring Champion Stakes (2000m), a race more suited to his stamina.
His effort added further intrigue to the Rosehill contest, highlighting the quality and depth of this year’s crop of three-year-olds.
The Golden Rose Awaits
With the Ming Dynasty complete, attention now shifts firmly to the Golden Rose, one of the highlights of the Sydney spring carnival. For trainers, jockeys, and owners, the race provides not just Group 1 glory but a commercial platform that can transform a colt into a future stallion prospect.
Sixties’ victory has ensured his name is now etched into early discussions, with bookmakers already trimming his odds in all-in markets. Autumn Boy, meanwhile, remains a highly regarded prospect, with many pundits expecting him to thrive over the 1400m Golden Rose distance under more favourable conditions.
Punters can already access early betting markets across Australia’s leading wagering platforms, where both Sixties and Autumn Boy are prominent in betting for the Golden Rose and other spring features.
Waller’s Depth on Display
For Chris Waller, the Rosehill quinella is another reminder of the depth he possesses in his stable. The champion trainer has consistently unearthed and developed elite three-year-olds, and this latest result suggests he will again play a major role in shaping the spring narrative.
With Sixties’ front-running tenacity and Autumn Boy’s powerhouse finish, the Golden Rose may well be decided within Waller’s barn. The added presence of horses like Without Peer heading to longer assignments only underlines the variety of quality emerging from stables around the country.
As the Sydney spring rolls on, the Ming Dynasty has confirmed that Waller’s team is on track to leave an indelible mark on the carnival – and possibly the breeding industry for years to come.
