Autumn Classic 2023 Race Details
Race 5 at Sandown on Saturday the 25th February 2023.
The Caulfield Autumn Classic is a Group 2 race over 1800 metres run by the Melbourne Racing Club. It is a set weight race for three-year-olds that is normally held at Caulfield in late February. It is at Sandown this year due to track redevelopment at Caulfield. Total prizemoney is $300,000 this year.
You can read more about the race history, lead-up races, and past winners on the Autumn Classic page.
Autumn Classic 2023 Preview
Track: Good Weather: Fine
Three colts and twelve geldings have accepted for the $300,000 Group 2 Autumn Classic. The key lead up race for this event is the Group 2 Autumn Stakes which was run here over 1400m two weeks ago. Pericles was the best placed in fourth of those who contested it and he has come up a clear favourite here. Mr Maestro is the second elect in early betting.
Autumn Classic 2023 Runner by Runner
1. Mr Maestro
Andrew Forsman trained runner who finished fourth in last years VRC Derby. He was solid first up in the Autumn Stakes and is suited stepping up in trip. Capable of settling closer in the run with B Shinn in the saddle.
2. Pericles
Was well backed first up in the Autumn Stakes first up. A nice pipe opener for this. Drawn well again and keeps Kah.
3. Hennessy Lad
Good effort to chase down Acosta here last start with a big gap back to third. In the mix.
4. High Approach
Had absolutely no luck first up at Moonee Valley against the older horses. Suspect they probably go back here from the wide gate which is going to make it hard. Not hopeless if they were to push forward.
5. Suizuro
Lead all the way on a dynamite leaders track at Moe last start.
6. Northern Barrage
Safely held here last start. Can’t have.
7. Acosta
Strong front running effort here last start when only run down in the shadows of the post by Hennessy Lad. Place claims.
8. Ausbred Rising Sun
Lightly raced galloper who was heavily backed to win a class 1 at Hawkesbury last start. There’s a bit to like about him. Love the map and the booking of Craig Williams.
9. Artzino
Was okay first up in the the Autumn Stakes. The step up in trip suits.
10. Bavicia
Form surely not strong enough.
11. Yauke
Had no luck in an easier race at Moonee Valley last start. Maps well. Wouldn’t be surprised if he ran a race each way at a price.
12. Affordable
Not here.
13. Patrick
Not here.
14. Six Feet
Not here.
15. Promises Kept
Not here.
Autumn Classic 2023 Tips
The following are the top 4 selections for this years race.
|
Lewis Oliver’s Tips
|
Jo Jackson’s Tips | |
| 8 Ausbred Rising Sun | 2 Pericles | |
| 1 Mr Maestro | 1 Mr Maestro | |
| 2 Pericles | 3 Hennessy Lad | |
| 3 Hennessy Lad | 8 Ausbred Rising Sun |
Previews for other races this week
Group 1 Blue Diamond Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1200m)
Group 1 Oakleigh Plate 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1100m)
Group 1 Futurity Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1400m)
Group 2 Peter Young Stakes 2023 (Sandown Hillside 1800m)
Group 2 Angus Armanasco Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1400m)
Group 3 Mannerism Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1400m)
Group 3 Zeditave Stakes 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 1200m)
Listed Victoria Gold Cup 2023 (Sandown Lakeside 2100m)
Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1600m)
Group 1 Surround Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1400m)
Group 2 Guy Walter Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1400m)
Group 2 Skyline Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1200m)
Group 2 Sweet Embrace Stakes 2023 (Randwick 1200m)
Group 3 Liverpool City Cup 2023 (Randwick 1300m)
Group 3 Lord Reims Stakes 2023 (Morphettville 2600m)
Listed Detonator Stakes 2023 (Ascot 1800m)
Listed Lex Piper Stakes 2023 (Ascot 1600m)
Listed Ascot 1000 Guineas 2023 (Ascot 1800m)
Listed Pinjarra Classic 2023 (Pinjarra 1300m) – Sunday
Autumn Classic 2023 Race Results
| Result | Horse | Margin |
| 1st | 2 Pericles | |
| 2nd | 1 Mr Maestro | 2.75 lengths |
| 3rd | 8 Ausbred Rising Sun | 2.85 lengths |
| 4th | 3 Hennessy Lad | 3.15 lengths |
The track was rated as Good 3.
Scratchings: 9. Artzino, 10. Bavicia.