Morphettville
Race 7 – The Autumn Belle
Jockey – Beau Mertens
2000m Group-1 Australasian Oaks – Barrier 14
Talented filly The Autumn Belle earns a crack at Group-1 glory this afternoon, stepping out to 2000-metres in the Australasian Oaks at Morphettville. The daughter of The Autumn Sun has been sound in two runs since arriving in Adelaide, runner-up over a mile in March before a solid closing effort last start at 1800-metres. Jockey Beau Mertens will be forced back in the early stages today from a wide draw, hoping the leaders skip along in a truly-run race.
Speed looks okay on paper with Queen Of Dragons and Serasana to punch through from the inside and hold forward positions, while Positivity, Vibrant Sun and Infinity Imperial will all look to roll across and settle forward in the short run to the first bend. Chances right down the board in an open affair. Hard to knock the winning form of Wings Of Song, who made it six on the bounce at this track last start. She beat some key rivals in the Auraria Stakes, coming from just off-speed to score impressively. Drawn for a soft trail again here and is sure to be right there in the finish. Vibrant Sun was very good winning at Group-3 level at The Valley last start, chasing down the leader in the home straight and leaving a big gap to third. She was strong through the line and 2000-metres doesn’t look beyond her. Quickster won here over a mile two starts back before a solid effort when runner-up behind Wings Of Song a fortnight ago. Must be considered. Each way chances to Queen Of Dragons, who wasn’t far from Orchestral at this trip last start, and Concello, who is rock-solid in the market. New Zealand Oaks form stack-up here? Cracking race.
The Autumn Belle was given no favours at the barrier draw and will be hoping the battle for the lead is willing early on. She can get on the back of improving runners approaching the home turn, Mertens ideally not having to circle the entire field to find galloping room in the home straight. Her work to and through the line last start suggests a big ‘yes’ to 2000-metres. Each way claims in a competitive event.
Currently, The Autumn Belle is a $51 chance in the market.