Sixties and Autumn Boy gave Chris Waller the quinella in Saturday’s Ming Dynasty Quality at Rosehill, setting up a mouth-watering clash in the Golden Rose (1400m) in two weeks’ time.

Sixties ($7), a full brother to Artorius, made all the running under Rachel King and kept finding when challenged to hold off stablemate Autumn Boy ($2.60 fav) by half a length. The runner-up, unbeaten before Saturday, flashed home late despite giving away 3-1/2kg to his fitter rival.

“It was a strong, tough performance,” assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said. “Rachel was able to control things and he gave a really good kick. It’s the logical step to go to the Golden Rose, and a win there would make him a very valuable stallion prospect.”

Duckworth added that Autumn Boy will improve considerably with the run. “He had plenty against him – weight, the rail out – but his finish was fantastic. The Autumn Sun was beaten first-up as a three-year-old and never lost again, so hopefully history repeats itself.”

Without Peer ($11) was another to impress, finishing third after covering ground throughout. Trainer Ciaron Maher has the Spring Champion Stakes (2000m) earmarked for the colt.

Spring betting markets, including the Golden Rose and Spring Champion, are available through Australia’s trusted betting sites.