Farson too strong in Autumn Classic

The likelihood of missing a start in the Australian Guineas has resulted in Farson claiming a stakes race victory at Caulfield.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained three-year-old stretched his winning run to three on Saturday after success in the Autumn Classic (1800m).

Ridden by Stephen Baster, Farson was sent out the $2.25 favourite and won by 1-3/4 lengths over Cliff Hanger ($6), with Captain Rhett ($31) a half-length away in third.

Waterhouse said Farson was ranked 29th in the order of entry for next week’s Australian Guineas, which forced a rethink of her autumn plans.

So Waterhouse has shifted her attention to the Group Two Alister Clark Stakes (2040m) at Moonee Valley on March 17.

“He was my Guineas horse but when he was 29th on entry I thought I’m not going to risk it because I think he has a really good win in him,” Waterhouse said.

“I rang the owner in Hong Kong and he said to run him this Saturday and take him to Moonee Valley for the Alister Clark and then we’ll take him up to Sydney.”

Waterhouse said the gelding would develop further as a four-year-old and with experience racing at Moonee Valley he might return for a shot at the Cox Plate.

“You never know what may happen,” Waterhouse said.

“He’s totally unassuming and in his track work only does what he has to.

“I’m looking forward to him in the spring.

“He’s a really exciting horse.”