The barrier draw for the upcoming Group 1 Epsom Handicap has been conducted, and the betting market remains largely consistent, setting the stage for an intriguing Trans-Tasman contest.
Autumn Boy continues to hold favouritism at $3.50 for the iconic 1600m race at Royal Randwick, having drawn barrier one in a field of 19 runners. Hot on its heels is the unbeaten New Zealand four-year-old mare, Well Written, available at $4.50 after drawing barrier three.
The only other horse trading in single figures is Joseph Pride’s contender, Attica, at $7. This runner drew barrier six and will carry a light weight of 51.5kg under the handicap conditions. This represents a significant 4kg swing compared to Autumn Boy, based on their two-length difference in the Randwick Guineas, where Attica finished behind Sheza Alibi.
Attica is one of two runners for Joseph Pride, who also saddles the topweight and 2024 Epsom Handicap winner, Ceolwulf. Ceolwulf is currently rated an $11 chance, with forecasts suggesting a possibility of light rain, between 0-6mm on Friday and 1-15mm on Saturday.
Trainer Chris Waller, a six-time victor of the Epsom Handicap, is aiming to join Gai Waterhouse and her father, T J Smith, who share the record for most wins with seven each.
Having trained two of the last three Epsom Handicap winners, Waller will have seven of the 19 runners in this year’s race. His assistant trainer, Charlie Duckworth, confirmed that Autumn Boy would be making the trip from Melbourne after a second-place finish to Sheza Alibi in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington at its second start this campaign.
“He’s got a nice draw,” Duckworth said 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 seen considerable support in the Epsom Handicap betting, firming into $7 and becoming the third favourite for Joseph Pride. Jason Walsh, Godolphin’s Racing and Bloodstock manager, stated that this race has been the horse’s main objective all season.
“This has been his early season target,” Walsh commented. “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’s other representative is Tom Kitten, who finished second to Ceolwulf in the 2024 running. The three-time Group One winner has drawn barrier four.
In the Group 1 Flight Stakes, also run over a mile, seven fillies are scheduled to contest. Striking Alibi (barrier 2) and Global Goal (barrier 5) are joint favourites, with Bangkok Hottie (barrier 3) following closely after defeating the pair in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) at her most recent start.
Betting markets for the Epsom Handicap are bustling, with Autumn Boy a popular contender. Explore the betting markets for the race at racing betting markets.
