Carnival Watch: Our experts choose their favourites for all the autumn classics

BIG-RACE MARKETS: KEEP track of our experts’ picks for the big autumn features as well as a tally of this season’s Group 1 winners.

Our experts choose their stars to follow

WHO will be the standout two-year-old, top sprinter and weight-for-age star this autumn? Our experts have their say on who punters can bank on to shine in the big races.

MONEY TRAIN: AUTUMN BETTING TRACKER

MICHAEL MANLEY (Herald Sun)

2YO: EXTREME CHOICE

His reputation has taken a tiny hit with Damien Oliver opting for his stablemate in the Blue Diamond. I’m happy to stick with him though. He’s been brilliant winning his two starts, running fast times and had plenty in hand when an easy winner last start. The 1200m is the query but the race could be over before the backmarkers get going.

Recent form: WON G1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), Caulfield

Sat just off speed before blistering sprint to bury rivals.

WON G3 Chairman’s Stakes (1000m), Caulfield

Next start: G1 Golden Slipper, Rosehill, March 19

Main aim: Golden Slipper

3YO: TARZINO

Last year’s Victoria Derby winner resumed with a great run at Caulfield last Saturday. The Australian Guineas could be too short but if he gets the right breaks he can win. He’s Sydney-bound after that.

Recent form: 2nd G1 Australian Guineas, Flemington

Excellent trial for Sydney distance classics

4th G2 Autumn Stakes (1400m), Caulfield

Next start: G1 Rosehill Guineas, March 19

Main aim: ATC Australian Derby

SPRINTER: CHAUTAUQUA

Sprinting star who is occasionally susceptible due to his racing style but prevails more often than not. In reality, only bad luck ever defeats him.

Recent form: WON G1 Lightning Stakes (1000m), Flemington

Back to his brilliant best; whirlwind finish

Next start: G1 Newmarket Hcp, Flemington, March 12

Main aim: T.J. Smith Stakes

MILER-MIDDLE DISTANCE: AZKADELLIA

Every time she goes to the races she impresses. Still early in her career but she has the makings of a genuine star. Doncaster is her aim.

Recent form: WON G3 Mannerism Stakes (1400m), Caulfield

2nd G3 Bellmaine Stakes (1200m), Caulfield

Next start: G1 Coolmore Classic, Rosehill, Saturday

Main aim: Doncaster Mile, Queen Of The Turf Stakes

STAYER: ALMOONQITH

One of many luckless runners in the Melbourne Cup. That run was sandwiched between Geelong Cup and Sandown Classic wins, which underlines his ability.

Recent form: 9th G2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m), Caulfield

Next start: G1 Australian Cup, Flemington, Saturday

Main aim: Sydney Cup

WILDCARD: POLITENESS

Should have finished closer to Heatherly when she resumed on Saturday. She possesses the talent to win a Newmarket or a Doncaster especially if track is rain affected.

Recent form: 7th G1 Futurity Stakes (1400m), Caulfield

2nd G3 Rubiton Stakes (1100m), Caulfield;

Next start: G1 Coolmore Classic, Rosehill, Saturday

Main aim: Doncaster Mile, Queen Of The Turf Stakes

TAB FIXED ODDS: AUSTRALIAN CUP

TAB FIXED ODDS: NEWMARKET HANDICAP

Murray Baker believes Mongolian Khan has returned bigger and better for his autumn campaign. Picture: AAP

DANNY RUSSELL (Herald Sun)

2YO: FLYING ARTIE

If Damien Oliver wants to ride him in the Blue Diamond that’s good enough for me, plus Mick Price says the owners are prepared to fork out $110k late-entry fee to run in the Slipper.

Recent form: 2nd G1 Blue Diamond Stakes, (1200m) Caulfield

Barrier and wide run hurt, still very impressive

WON G3 Blue Diamond Prelude (C & G) (1100m), Caulfield;

Next start: G1 Golden Slipper, Rosehill, March 19

Main aim: Golden Slipper

3YO: PALENTINO

Has an X-factor and if he lives up to his potential could help build another wing of the ever-growing Weir Town.

Recent form: WON G1 Australian Guineas

Continues to progress at rapid rate. Supreme effort

2nd G3 CS Hayes Stks (1400m), Flemington

7th G3 Manfred Stakes (1200m), Caulfield

Next start: G1 Doncaster Mile, Randwick, April 2

Main aim: Doncaster Mile

Owners rejoice as Mark Zahra and Palentino returns to the parade ring after winning the Group 1 Australian Guineas. Picture: Getty Images

SPRINTER: CHAUTAUQUA

He’s a star with the runs on the board. Too many questions still need to be answered in regards to Exosphere.

Recent form: WON G1 Lightning Stakes (1000m), Flemington

Back to his brilliant best; whirlwind finish

Next start: G1 Newmarket Hcp, Flemington, Saturday

Main aim: T.J. Smith Stakes

MILER-MIDDLE DISTANCE: WINX

Racing needs a superstar. An unbeaten autumn and another Cox Plate, and she’s there.

Recent form: WON G1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m), Randwick

Barely asked for an effort; total cruise control

WON G2 Apollo Stakes (1400m), Randwick

Main aim: Queen Elizabeth Stakes

STAYER: MONGOLIAN KHAN

Trainer Murray Baker says the Caulfield Cup winner has come back better than ever after a colitis scare saw him scratched from the Melbourne Cup.

Recent form: 11th G1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m), Randwick

Main aim: The BMW/Sydney Cup

WILDCARD: PREFERMENT

Lost in the giant shadow cast by superstar Winx, and semi-forgotten after a muddling Melbourne Cup. But he’s still a serious galloper.

Recent form: 4th G1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m), Randwick

Next start: G1 Australian Cup, Flemington, Saturday

Main aim: Australian Cup/Queen Elizabeth Stakes

TAB FIXED ODDS: GOLDEN SLIPPER

TAB FIXED ODDS: ATC DERBY

TAB FIXED ODDS: TJ SMITH

TAB FIXED ODDS: DONCASTER MILE

TAB FIXED ODDS: QUEEN ELIZABETH

RAY THOMAS (The Daily Telegraph)

Trainer Peter Snowden has his hands full with Magic Millions 2YO Classic winner Capitalist after his unexpected defeat in the Group 2 Todman Stakes. Picture: Kit Wise

2YO: CAPITALIST

Capitalist is the Golden Slipper favourite and clearly the benchmark juvenile. He is a colt blessed with wonderful acceleration and he is in the right stable with Team Snowden.

Recent form: 2nd Todman Stakes, Randwick

Disappointing but Team Snowden to push on regardless

Main aim: Golden Slipper

3YO: PRESS STATEMENT

Press Statement is a magnificent-looking colt with the ability to match. He romped away with the Caulfield Guineas last spring and was dominant in the Hobartville Stakes when resuming last week. Absolutely top class and every effective around 1600m.

Recent form: 2nd Randwick Guineas, Randwick

Surprise defeat and Bowman ride heavily criticised.

WON G2 Hobartville Stakes (1400m), Rosehill

Main aim: Doncaster Mile

SPRINTER: CHAUTAUQUA

Chautauqua has the fastest finishing speed of any horse in racing. His Lightning Stakes win last week was phenomenal and reminiscent of his TJ Smith Stakes and Manikato Stakes efforts last year. He is an excitement machine.

Recent form: WON G1 Lightning Stakes (1000m), Flemington

Next start: G1 Newmarket Hcp, Flemington, Saturday

Main aim: T.J. Smith Stakes

MILER-MIDDLE DISTANCE: KERMADEC

Kermadec won the Doncaster Mile and George Main Stakes over the Randwick 1600m last year and he looked superb in a recent barrier trial. He could go to an even higher level this autumn.

Recent form: 3rd Canterbury Stakes, Randwick

Unsuitable distance but a tad on disappointing side

Main aim: Doncaster Mile

STAYER: OUR IVANHOWE

Our Ivanhowe ran a very good third in the Caulfield Cup and would have been right in the finish of the Melbourne Cup when he struck severe interference in the straight. Very talented former German stayer on the Sydney Cup trail.

Recent form: 5th G2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m), Caulfield

Next start: G1 Australian Cup, Flemington, Saturday

Main aim: Sydney Cup

NIC ASHMAN (The Daily Telegraph)

2YO: CAPITALIST

Serious 2YO recording fast times. Jumps, runs and sticks — that’s what you want in a juvenile. Two-year-old racing is all about times and margins and this bloke nails it. Just wins the Slipper — get on now.

Recent form: 2nd Todman Stakes, Randwick

Disappointing but Team Snowden to push on regardless

Main aim: Golden Slipper

3YO: TARZINO

Tarzino is the early favourite for the Australian Derby but it’s his stablemate Celtic Tiger that interests me at $101. He’s a real stayer that made a dash first-up in the Autumn Stakes before condition gave out.

Recent form: 2nd G1 Australian Guineas, Flemington

Excellent trial for Sydney distance classics

4th G2 Autumn Stakes (1400m), Caulfield

Next start: G1 Rosehill Guineas, Rosehill, March 19

Main aim: ATC Australian Derby.

SPRINTER: CHAUTAUQUA

Chautauqua is one of my favourite horses going around and his first-up Lightning Stakes win suggests he’s come back better than ever. He’ll win the TJ Smith Stakes and do us proud overseas.

Recent form: WON G1 Lightning Stakes (1000m), Flemington

Back to his brilliant best; whirlwind finish

Next start: G1 Newmarket Hcp, Flemington, Saturday

Main aim: T.J. Smith Stakes

MILER-MIDDLE DISTANCE: WINX

Whatever you do don’t miss this mighty mare in any of her races this autumn. I backed her last weekend and will let the winnings ride from race to race this campaign rather than playing the futures.

Recent form: WON G2 Apollo Stakes (1400m), Randwick;

Barely asked for an effort; total cruise control

WON G1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m), Randwick

Main aim: Queen Elizabeth Stakes

STAYER: MONGOLIAN KHAN

I’m keen to back Mongolian Khan to win The BMW providing he goes there. He’s developed into an old school, fast Kiwi stayer and they tend to win plenty of races over here.

Recent form: 11th G1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m), Randwick

Main aim: Sydney Cup

WILDCARD: CHETWOOD

Won brilliantly at Canterbury on debut and could be anything.

Recent form: 3rd Cellarbrations Hcp (1200m), Warwick Farm

Battled into third place as an odds-on favourite.

SHAYNE O’CASS (Sportsman/Daily Telegraph)

2YO: ASTERN

At present the No. 1 seed at Godolphin in their juvenile brigade which is no mean feat given the depth of horse they have again this year. If they win the Golden Slipper in 2016, it will more than likely be with him.

Recent form: WON G2 Silver Slipper (1100m), Rosehill

Next start: G1 Golden Slipper, Rosehill, March 19

Main aim: Golden Slipper

3YO: GHISONI

A superbly bred Lonhro filly out of Portillo that was unbeaten at time of writing having gone back to back in November. Has that unmistakeable air of quality.

Recent form: WON G2 Surround Stakes (1400m), Randwick

Next start: G1 Coolmore Classic, Rosehill, Saturday

Main aim: Coolmore Classic, Queen Of The Turf

SPRINTER: EXOSPHERE

Back bigger and better than ever if that is possible. His trials have been awesome — he’s going to take beating wherever and whenever he lines-up.

Recent form: 4th G1 Lightning Stakes (1000m), Flemington

Main aim: T.J. Smith Stakes

MILER-MIDDLE DISTANCE: McCREERY

A Waller import that is a lightly-raced UK gelding with 4s 2-1-1 over there. He’s looked really good in his trials and could very well measure up as a Doncaster horse for the ‘King of the Mile’ himself!

Recent form: 2nd Di Parker Hcp (1400m), Rosehill

Main aim: Doncaster Mile

STAYER: LIBRAN

Another Waller import and knowing what we do about Waller’s dominance in 2000m+ races, you almost have to make one of his your’ autumn stayer to follow.

Recent form: WON Listed Randwick City Hcp, Randwick

Continues to make genuine progress over more ground

4th LR Parramatta Cup (1900m), Rosehill

Main aim: Sydney Cup

WILDCARD: DIVINE SANCTION

My Caulfield and Melbourne Cup tip in 2016. I hope he’s around in the autumn, he ought to be but, if not, who knows, he might go to Brisbane for the Queensland Derby. He’s page one, line one in my 2016 black book.

TAB FIXED ODDS: COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

TAB FIXED ODDS: PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

TAB FIXED ODDS: SYDNEY CUP

BEN SCADDEN (The Advertiser)

2YO: SAMARA DANCER

Gifted filly from the Phillip Stokes barn who scored dominant Blue Diamond Prelude win.

Recent form: 14th G1 Blue Diamond Stakes (1200m), Caulfield

Main aim: Blue Diamond Stakes

SPRINTER: ECLAIR CHOICE

Emerging galloper from the powerful Phillip Stokes barn who stamped his class with back-to-back Group 2 wins in the spring.

Recent form:16th G1 Oakleigh Plate (1100m), Caulfield

Main aim: G1 Newmarket Handicap

MILER-MIDDLE DISTANCE: HAPPY TRAILS

Veteran who still has plenty of zip in his legs and is always a blowout chance in big races.

Recent form:7th G2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m), Caulfield

Next start: G1 Australian Cup, Flemington, Saturday

Main aim: G1 Australian Cup; G1 QEII Cup, Sha Tin (Hong Kong)

Winx proves too powerful in her comeback race, the Group 2 Apollo Stakes. Picture: Simon Bullard

KEY DATES & RACES

Melbourne

Feb 20, Flemington: Lightning Stks (1000m) — Winner: CHAUTAUQUA.

Feb 27, Caulfield:Blue Diamond Stks (1200m) — EXTREME CHOICE, Oakleigh Plate (1100m) — FLAMBERGE, Futurity Stks (1400m) — TURN ME LOOSE.

March 5, Flemington: Australian Guineas (1600m) — PALENTINO

March 12, Flemington:Australian Cup (2000m), Newmarket Hcp (1200m)

Sydney

March 5, Randwick: Randwick Guineas (1600m) — LE ROMAIN

Canterbury Stks (1300m) — HOLLER

March 12, Rosehill: Coolmore Classic (1500m)

March 19, Rosehill: Golden Slipper (1200m), Rosehill Guineas (2000m), George Ryder Stks (1500m), Ranvet Stks (2000m), The Galaxy (1100m)

March 26, Rosehill:The BMW (2400m), Vinery Stud Stks (2000m)

April 2, Randwick (The Championships):Doncaster Mile (1600m), TJ Smith (1200m), Australian Derby (2400m), Sires Produce Stks (1400m)

April 9, Randwick (The Championships):Queen Elizabeth Stks (2400m), Sydney Cup (3200m), Australian Oaks (2400m), Queen Of The Turf Stks (1600m)

April 16, Randwick: All Aged Stks (1600m), Champagne Stks (1600m)

GROUP 1 LEADERS

Trainers

11- Chris Waller (Winx x3, Boban, Kermadec, Preferment, Vanbrugh, Press Statement, Japonisme, Delectation, Good Project)

4 — Darren Weir (Stratum Star, Lucky Hussler, Prince Of Penzance, Palentino)

3 — Murray Baker (Mongolian Khan, Turn Me Loose x2)

John O’Shea (Exosphere, Magic Hurricane, Holler)

2 — David Hayes (Criterion, Stay With Me)

Mick Price (Tarzino, Extreme Choice)

Hawkes Racing (Chautauqua x2)

Rob Heathcote (Buffering x2)

1 — Peter Moody (Flamberge)

Robert Hickmott (Fawkner)

Nigel Blackiston (Suavito)

Peter Gelagotis (Mourinho)

Gai Waterhouse (Speak Fondly)

Robert Smerdon (Politeness)

A De Watrigant (Gailo Chop)

Ciaron Maher (Jameka)

Grant Williams (Perfect Reflection)

Kris Lees (Le Romain)

Jockeys

5 — Hugh Bowman (Winx x3, Preferment, Press Statement)

4 — James McDonald (Exosphere, Magic Hurricane, Delectation, Holler)

Glyn Schofield (Boban, Kermadec, Vanbrugh, Japonisme)

3 — Dwayne Dunn (Stay With Me, Politeness, Chautauqua)

2 — Damien Oliver (Fawkner, Jameka)

Craig Williams (Stratum Star, Good Project)

Tommy Berry (Speak Fondly, Chautauqua)

Damian Browne (Buffering x2)

Craig Newitt (Tarzino, Extreme Choice)

Opie Bosson (Mongolian Khan, Turn Me Loose)

1- Damian Lane (Flamberge)

Vlad Duric (Mourinho)

Glen Boss (Lucky Hussler)

Michael Walker (Criterion)

Ben Melham (Mackinnon Stks)

Michelle Payne (Prince Of Penzance)

Kerrin McEvoy (Turn Me Loose)

William Pike (Perfect Reflection)

Luke Currie (Suavito)

Christian Reith (Le Romain)

Mark Zahra (Palentino)

Chautauqua on course as expected to dominate all the sprint features this autumn. Picture: Getty Images

Horses

2 — Winx (Epsom Hcp, Cox Plate)

Chautauqua (Manikato Stks, Lightning Stks)

Buffering (Schweppes Stks, Winterbottom Stks)

1 — Palentino (Australian Guineas)

Le Romain (Randwick Guineas)

Holler (Canterbury Stakes)

Boban (Memsie Stks)

Fawkner (Makybe Diva Stks)

Exosphere (Golden Rose)

Kermadec (George Main Stks)

Stratum Star (Sir Rupert Clarke Stks)

Mourinho (Underwood Stks)

Speak Fondly (Flight Stks)

Magic Hurricane (The Metropolitan)

Preferment (Turnbull Stks)

Vanbrugh (Spring Champion Stks)

Lucky Hussler (Toorak Hcp)

Criterion (Caulfield Stks)

Stay With Me (Thousand Guineas)

Press Statement (Caulfield Guineas)

Mongolian Khan (Caulfield Cup)

Politeness (Myer Classic)

Japonisme (Coolmore Stud Stks)

Gailo Chop (Mackinnon)

Tarzino (Victoria Derby)

Prince Of Penzance (Melbourne Cup)

Jameka (VRC Oaks)

Delectation (Darley Classic)

Turn Me Loose (Emirates Stks)

Good Project (Railway Stks)

Perfect Reflection (Kingston Town Classic)

Suavito (Orr Stks)

Jockey Luke Currie was popular winner after smart mare Suavito capitalised on a smooth passage throughout to capture the $500,000 Group 1 Orr Stakes in a field containing 13 individual Group 1 winners. Picture: Getty Images

TAB FIXED ODDS: AUSTRALIAN CUP

TAB FIXED ODDS: NEWMARKET HANDICAP

TAB FIXED ODDS: GOLDEN SLIPPER

TAB FIXED ODDS: ATC DERBY

TAB FIXED ODDS: TJ SMITH

TAB FIXED ODDS: COUNTRY CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

TAB FIXED ODDS: DONCASTER MILE

TAB FIXED ODDS: PROVINCIAL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

TAB FIXED ODDS: QUEEN ELIZABETH

TAB FIXED ODDS: SYDNEY CUP