Messara tests Autumn King: Queensland test looms

Paul Messara had options with promising miler Autumn King, but he is prepared to find out how good he is on Saturday.

There was the chance to stay at 1400m in the Hawkesbury Guineas, but The Autumn Sun colt will head to the Group 2 Queensland Guineas at Eagle Farm, after he found the line hard for fifth in the South Pacific Classic on the second day of The Championships.

“I have always had a high opinion of him, and I think he is looking for the extra trip,” Messara said. “He has very strong late at Randwick and it is the right time to see how he goes at the level.

”I was very happy with what he did at Randwick, and I think he has scope to get over the mile, so that’s why we are going to Brisbane.

Messara had taken a cautious approach to Autumn King’s preparation before the South Pacific Classic taking wins at Muswellbrook and Newcastle.

He has booked Angela Jones to ride Autumn King, who he feels is up to stakes level.

“He has just been learning about racing and probably still is,” Messara said. “But he is starting to relax a lot better in his races, and that is only going to help him, and I think he is ready for the next step.

“As long as we have had him in work longer, he has shown he is going to appreciate getting over further, and I wouldn’t put it beyond him to step up in trip again.

“I think over the mile, he will certainly be a bit closer than last time, and he has a real turn of foot when he needs it.”

Autumn King will be one of a number of visitors for the Queensland Guineas, where Daybreak Lover Stakes winner Brave Monarch and The Wheelbarrow are expected to be among the favourites.

The Eagle Farm card also includes the Victory Stakes, where Chris Waller is expected to give West Australian sprinter Joker’s Grin his first start on the east coast.