Autumn Boy is set to race without blinkers in his upcoming first-up run in the Hobartville Stakes, as top jockey James McDonald believes they are unnecessary for the colt.

McDonald rode the three-year-old during a 1000m exhibition gallop between races at Randwick on Saturday, where Autumn Boy recorded a time of 1:08.25 in his solo session and extended well in the closing stages.

The colt is scheduled to return in the Hobartville Stakes (1400m) at Rosehill next Saturday, marking his initial outing since securing the Caulfield Guineas (1600m) last spring.

Although he wore blinkers during that Group 1 triumph, following talks with McDonald after the recent gallop, trainer Waller indicated Autumn Boy will probably begin his preparation without them.

“We’re probably going to leave the blinkers off,” Waller said.

“James doesn’t think he needs them. We just put them on in the Golden Rose and the [Caulfield] Guineas.

“He’s a very honest horse.”

Waller noted that Autumn Boy has matured over his spell, though he emphasised the key advantage is the horse’s calm attitude.

The three-year-old has competed just five times, yet per his trainer, he has ‘learned to be a racehorse’, and with his initial two runs coming against peers in the Hobartville Stakes and Randwick Guineas (1600m), Waller is willing afterwards to match him with experienced rivals.

“There are some good races on offer, and he might get a sniff of racing against the older horses as well, so plenty of tests,” Waller said.

Stable companion Wodeton is also entered for the Hobartville Stakes, with Waller to make a call later this week on his participation. Check the Australian betting sites for the best Hobartville Stakes odds.

The post Caulfield Guineas winner warms up for Hobartville Stakes return first appeared on Just Horse Racing.