Racing
Guineas goal as Sixties comes out swinging
The Australian Guineas is the short-term aim for the progressive Sixties.
Chris Waller plans to split his better three-year-old colts between states with Rosehill winner Sixties poised for a tilt at the Australian Guineas while Autumn Boy will spearhead his charge towards the Randwick equivalent.
Sixties, who downed Autumn Boy to take out the Ming Dynasty Quality in the spring, resumed with a thumping win against the older horses in the Precise Air Handicap (1200m) on Saturday to confirm Group 1 plans.
The son of Flying Artie is a brother to former top sprinter turned stallion Artorius and Waller says he has returned to work a better horse than in the spring.
"He is just so versatile. He is a really serious colt," Waller said.
"The most exciting thing is where we head to next and he'll be heading towards a Group One race.
"Last prep was all about learning and getting confidence. It will be interesting to see what distance he can get to. I'd like to think he can get to an Australian Guineas."
Waller opted to kick off Sixties' campaign in a benchmark race, rather than against his own age in the Eskimo Prince Stakes (1200m) next weekend, to afford some flexibility in the horse's programming.
"From a timing perspective, I thought running today opened up a few more options," he said.
"Where the likes of Autumn Boy is targeting the Randwick Guineas, this boy, it gives him a few more options with the time up our sleeve."
The Australian Guineas (1600m) is at Flemington on February 28 and Waller confirmed Sixties would have another run before then, most likely over 1400m.
Caulfield Guineas winner Autumn Boy is set to have his second trial at Warwick Farm on Tuesday.
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