Autumn Boy boosted by barrier draw

Autumn Boy has struck a major early blow in the lead-up to Saturday’s $3 million Group 1 Caulfield Guineas, landing the prized inside barrier in Tuesday’s draw.

The promising colt, the son of 2018 Guineas winner The Autumn Sun, will be partnered for the first time by Damian Lane, who guided Private Life to victory in last year’s edition for trainer Chris Waller.

A total of 18 three-year-olds have accepted, with Centu Cavaddi and Regal Award named as emergencies.

Waller’s hopes don’t rest solely with Autumn Boy. His second contender, Wodeton, will carry the famous Coolmore silks under the guidance of world No.1 jockey James McDonald, jumping from barrier 10.

However, not all contenders fared well at the draw. Key Group 1-winning colts Vinrock and Nepotism will need to overcome wide gates, drawing barriers 14 and 12 respectively.

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CAULFIELD GUINEAS BARRIER DRAW

1 – Rivellino – barrier 3

2 – Wodeton – barrier 10

3 – Vinrock – barrier 14

4 – Nepotism – barrier 12

5 – West Of Swindon – barrier 16

6 – Vega For Luck – barrier 7

7 – Highvol – barrier 18

8 – Navy Pilot – barrier 2

9 – Autumn Boy – barrier 1

10 – Space Rider – barrier 11

11 – Prestige Ole – barrier 4

12 – Hillier – barrier 17

13 – Stay Cosmic – barrier 15

14 – Planet Red – barrier 5

15 – Romantic Encounter – barrier 13

16 – Observer – barrier 9

17e – Centu Cavaddi – barrier 6

18e – Regal Award – barrier 8