With Top Reward, trainer Clayton Douglas nurtures Group 1 dreams for the 2026 autumn series, starting the colt’s campaign in a Stakes race at Caulfield.

The son of Shamus Award resumes in Saturday’s Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m), having had two spring appearances before a rest period.

Top Reward claimed his maiden win at 1500m on debut at Mornington in October, then tackled Stakes company, running third—six lengths off the winner Sheza Alibi—in November’s Group 2 Sandown Guineas (1600m) at Caulfield.

Tuesday saw Douglas join Top Reward and stablemate Mr Waterville for a gallop at Caulfield to gear up for the colt’s return this Saturday.

Douglas envisions the Group 1 Australian Derby (2400m) in Randwick during April for Top Reward, via the 1800m Group 2 Autumn Classic at Caulfield on February 21 after his opening run.

“He’s a lovely colt. He’s got a lovely brain about him and he’s got nice ability,” Douglas said.

“It was good to get those couple of runs into him in the spring and he’s come back a more furnished colt now.

“We’ll probably look to step him up to 1800 metres second-up, which may be better for him, but he’s a lovely, clean-winded horse and I’m looking forward to seeing how he goes first-up.

“He could be a Derby colt, but we’ll take each run as it comes, but over the next eight to 12 weeks, there are plenty of options for him, but so long as he keeps stepping up to the mark, well keep putting it to him.”

Two jump-outs have preceded Top Reward’s return, with Douglas noting the 1400m on Saturday might suit less ideally.

“He’s got good gate speed, so I wouldn’t think he would be too far away,” Douglas said.

“But there might be something that’s a bit sharper than him on Saturday but going forward he might be a horse to look out for.”

Mr Waterville from the same stable is in contention for the 1600m benchmark 84 on Saturday, Friday’s Colac Cup (2000m), and the Listed Premier’s Plate (2006m) at Morphettville Saturday.

Yet to race for Douglas, the Irish-bred Mr Waterville was initially handled by Chris Waller in Australia.

“He trialled well here last week and to me he’s a horse that would prefer to kick off over 10 furlongs, that’s probably more suitable for him,” Douglas said.

As the hurdles season nears, Douglas pointed to potential over jumps for Mr Waterville.

Top Reward’s Autumn Stakes clash offers plenty of value in the racing betting markets, perfect for punters.

The post Clayton Douglas looking for a Top Reward first appeared on Just Horse Racing.