Oak Door is the 2017 Autumn Stakes Winner

Three-year-old Oak Door has made a successful transition to black type company at Caulfield Racecourse this afternoon; leading from start to finish to take out the Group 2 Autumn Stakes (1400m).

Oak Door recorded a gutsy win in this afternoon's Autumn Stakes at Caulfield. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Oak Door recorded a gutsy win in this afternoon’s Autumn Stakes at Caulfield. Photo: Ultimate Racing Photos

Oak Door’s chances of winning the Autumn Stakes took something of a hit on Wednesday when he drew into the race field in an outside gate, but the colt did plenty of reverse his luck when he jumped well and was able to easily find the early pace.

The son of Commands settled into a good rhythm at the fore of the field alongside the likes of Attention and Peacock and jockey Damien Lane allowed plenty of time for the horse to balance before he asked for an extra effort in the final straight.

Lane was understandably thrilled with the class shown by Oak Door in the tough Autumn Stakes win and believes that he will furnish into a serious racehorse through this year’s spring season.

“His form has been faultless this prep, Robert has him going super,” Lane said.

“He’s an impressive individual. He just keeps on improving and has a lovely high cruising speed.

“I worked up the hill and just tried to wait as long as I could, but to his credit he was strong to the line.”

Trainer Robert Smerdon was pleased with Oak Door’s performance to win the Autumn Stakes and revealed a race like the Group 2 Autumn Classic (1800m) in a fortnight may figure as his next point of call.

“Coming in you’re concerned about the amount of effort you have to use to offset the barrier,”

“We were always going to roll forward but looking at the outcome, Damien did control it and he came across at a controlled gallop.

“You always felt down the side that he was going to give a good kick, but he’s beaten some nice horses today.

“Horses like him make their own luck and he did that today. He was able to control it today so good effort.

“Not sure where we’re going to go with him, but I wouldn’t mind stretching him out a bit, over 1800m maybe.”

In being crowned the 2017 Autumn Stakes winner, Oak Door has extended his career record to four wins and as many minors through eleven competitive starts.

About The Author

Jared Timms

Jared graduated with a journalism degree in 2011. He is a keen sports fan and has enjoyed many accolades for his lively writing style and comprehensive coverage of major sporting events and horse racing. Today, you can find Jared cheering on his beloved Manchester City with a beer in hand.