Aidan O'Brien searches for first Autumn Stakes success with promising Persia

There are some very familiar faces among the roll of honour for the Group 3 Dubai Autumn Stakes (2.55) at Newmarket and this year's running looks well up to scratch with three unbeaten colts and all bar Ropey Guest previous winners.

Persian King (2018), Ghaiyyath (2017), Best Solution (2016), Gifted Master (2015), Kingston Hill (2013) and Trading Leather (2012) are all previous winners of the contest, in which nine go to post this year.

Military March, Cherokee Trail and Dontaskmeagain have yet to meet with defeat but Listed winner Molatham, who beat Dewhurst contender Wichita at Doncaster, is a warm favourite for trainer Roger Varian.

Aidan O'Brien has never won the race, but he went close with subsequent Qipco 2,000 Guineas winner Magna Grecia last year and has high hopes for Galway maiden winner Persia.

Persia won by five lengths at Galway last monthCredit: Patrick McCann (racingpost.com/photos)

O'Brien said: "Persia won nicely at Galway and took a nice step forward from his debut at the Curragh. He's a lovely, big horse who we have been very happy with over the last few weeks."

John Quinn is represented by Thirsk maiden winner Melody King.
"He hasn't done much wrong. This is a good race but he's in good form and we hope he'll run well," Quinn said.

Gosden hoping Yoda can prove dominant force in Zetland

John Gosden has previous form when pitching a filly in against the boys in the Group 3 Godolphin Flying Start Zetland Stakes (2.20), and the trainer tries to repeat the trick with Miss Yoda.

The last time Gosden ran a filly in this race was 2016 with Coronet, who has since gone on to claim a pair of Group 1 victories in France this year.

Miss Yoda is unbeaten after two racesCredit: Alan Crowhurst

Unbeaten in two starts, Miss Yoda has shaped like a middle-distance performer in the making, and she should relish an extra two furlongs after two wins over a mile.

Gosden said: "We've had this race in mind for her for some time and she shaped as if this trip would suit when scoring under a penalty at Sandown last time. As there are no fillies-only races over this far she has to take on the colts."

Aidan O'Brien has won the last two runnings of the race, including with subsequent St Leger winner Kew Gardens. This time the trainer relies on Mythical, who takes a jump in class after a wide-margin win at Gowran Park last month.

O'Brien said: "We were delighted with him at Gowran and he improved a lot from his first run at Leopardstown, as we hoped he would. He's progressing nicely and we're very happy with him."

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