Following Tuesday’s barrier draw for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap, the betting market remains largely consistent, promising a compelling Trans-Tasman contest.
Autumn Boy continues to be the $3.50 favourite for the renowned 1600m race at Royal Randwick, having drawn barrier one in a field of 19. Hot on its heels is the unbeaten New Zealand mare, Well Written, at $4.50 after drawing barrier three.
The only other horse in single figures is Attica, trained by Joseph Pride, at $7. Attica drew barrier six and will carry a favourable weight of 51.5kg under the handicap conditions. This gives it a 4kg swing on Autumn Boy for a two-length deficit in the Randwick Guineas, where Attica finished behind Sheza Alibi.
Attica is one of two entries for Joseph Pride, who also fields the topweight and 2024 Epsom Handicap winner, Ceolwulf. Ceolwulf is rated an $11 chance, with forecasts predicting potential light rain, 0-6mm on Friday and 1-15mm on Saturday.
Chris Waller, a six-time winner of the Epsom Handicap, is aiming to join Gai Waterhouse and her father T J Smith, who hold the record with seven victories apiece in the race.
With two of the last three Epsom winners hailing from his stable, Waller will saddle up seven of the 19 runners this year. Assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth confirmed that Autumn Boy would travel up from Melbourne after finishing second to Sheza Alibi in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington at its second start this preparation.
“He’s got a nice draw,” Duckworth stated of barrier one. “Obviously you’re sort of hoping you don’t draw 17,18,19 but you also sort of hope you’re not 1 either but look beggars can’t be choosers. The only horse that’s beaten him over a mile is Sheza Alibi and she’s a freak. He’s reasonably well-weighted and happy to have James (McDonald) back on.”
Attica has been a significant mover in the Epsom Handicap market, firming into $7 and sitting as the third pick for Joseph Pride. Godolphin’s Racing and Bloodstock manager, Jason Walsh, indicated that this race has been the horse’s primary target throughout its campaign.
“This has been his early season target,” Walsh said. “Joe’s done a beautiful job preparing him for it. Obviously in the Tramway we felt he was very good in a really hot edition of that race, so back to handicap conditions and we think he’s been allocated a weight that will see him very competitive.”
Godolphin will also be represented by Tom Kitten, who ran second to Ceolwulf in 2024. The three-time Group One winner drew barrier four.
In the Group 1 Flight Stakes, also run over a mile, seven fillies are set to line up. Striking Alibi (barrier 2) and Global Goal (barrier 5) are joint favourites, with Bangkok Hottie (barrier 3) following after defeating the pair in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) at her last start.
The Epsom Handicap is shaping up to be a competitive affair, with Autumn Boy a popular choice among punters. Explore the latest betting sites for this and other races. betting sites.