The betting landscape for the Group 1 Epsom Handicap has seen little alteration following Tuesday’s barrier draw, with a compelling Trans-Tasman contest anticipated.
Autumn Boy maintains its position as the $3.50 favourite for the renowned 1600m race at Royal Randwick. It secured barrier one in a field of 19. Hot on its heels is the undefeated New Zealand mare, Well Written, at $4.50 after drawing barrier three.
Attica, trained by Joseph Pride, is the sole other contender in single figures at $7. It drew barrier six and will carry a light weight of 51.5kg under the handicap conditions. This offers a 4kg advantage over Autumn Boy, a margin that could be significant given their two-length difference in the Randwick Guineas, where Attica finished behind Sheza Alibi.
Joseph Pride also has Ceolwulf, the topweight and 2024 Epsom Handicap champion, in the field at $11. There’s a possibility of light rain, between 0-6mm on Friday and 1-15mm on Saturday, which could influence conditions.
Chris Waller, a six-time winner of the Epsom Handicap, is aiming to draw level with Gai Waterhouse and her father T J Smith, who jointly hold the record with seven victories each.
With two of the last three Epsom winners to his name, Waller is set to field seven runners in this year’s edition. His assistant trainer, Charlie Duckworth, confirmed that Autumn Boy would travel from Melbourne, having recently finished second to Sheza Alibi in the Makybe Diva Stakes at Flemington during its second start this campaign.
“He’s got a nice draw,” Duckworth commented on 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 significant support in the Epsom Handicap market, shortening to $7 and becoming the third favourite for Joseph Pride. Godolphin’s Racing and Bloodstock manager, Jason Walsh, indicated that this race has been the horse’s primary objective throughout its preparation.
“This has been his early season target,” Walsh stated. “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 contender is Tom Kitten, who placed second behind Ceolwulf in 2024. This three-time Group One winner will start from barrier four.
In the Group 1 Flight Stakes, also contested over a mile, seven fillies are set to compete. Striking Alibi (barrier 2) and Global Goal (barrier 5) share favouritism, with Bangkok Hottie (barrier 3) trailing them after defeating the pair in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) at their last outing.
For those keen to get involved, the current racing odds for the Epsom Handicap suggest a tight contest, with Autumn Boy firming up. You can explore these markets at Australian betting sites.
