Epsom Handicap 2026 Betting Odds - Autumn Boy Holds the Early Edge

Bets.com.au Staff

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Last updated: Mon 28 Sep 2026 10:06

Bets.com.au Staff 28 Sep 2026

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Autumn Boy is the $3.50 favourite for the 2026 Epsom Handicap
Unbeaten Well Written and proven milers like Attica, Ceolwulf, and Idle Flyer are key contenders
The Epsom remains a historic centrepiece of Sydney’s spring racing calendar

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Autumn Boy leads the 2026 Epsom Handicap market. (Getty)

The 2026 Epsom Handicap takes centre stage at Randwick on Saturday, October 3, with the Group 1 mile bringing together a strong mix of established performers and progressive gallopers under handicap conditions.

Epsom Handicap 2026 Betting Odds
Epsom Handicap History

Autumn Boy heads betting at $3.50 with BetRight as Chris Waller prepares to send the four-year-old back to Sydney following another strong effort at Group 1 level.

The dual Group 1 winner was runner-up to Sheza Alibi in the Makybe Diva Stakes over 1600m at Flemington on September 12, having also finished second to the same mare in both the Randwick Guineas and Doncaster Mile earlier this year, and James McDonald is booked for the Epsom.

Well Written is next at $4.40 and will make her Australian debut with an unbeaten seven-from-seven record for New Zealand trainer Stephen Marsh.

The daughter of Written Tycoon resumed with a two-length victory in the Group 1 Proisir Plate over 1400m at Ellerslie, adding to a record that already includes the New Zealand 1000 Guineas, Karaka Millions 3YO and The Kiwi, while Zac Lloyd takes over in the saddle at Randwick.

Attica sits on the third line at $6 after putting together two encouraging runs to begin his spring preparation for Joseph Pride.

The four-year-old resumed with a second before finishing third in the Group 2 Tramway Stakes over 1400m at Randwick on September 5, and the rise to 1600m should give him the chance to build again third-up.

Ceolwulf and Idle Flyer share the next line at $8, with both bringing proven Group 1 form over the Randwick mile into the race.

Ceolwulf improved from his first-up fifth in the Winx Stakes to finish second over 1600m on September 5, while his record at the trip includes four victories from nine starts.

Idle Flyer is already a Group 1 winner over this course and distance after taking out the Queen Of The Turf Stakes during the autumn, and her spring preparation has included a sixth in the Winx Stakes followed by a fourth in the Tramway Stakes.

With Autumn Boy bringing established Group 1 mile form, Well Written arriving unbeaten from New Zealand and several proven Randwick performers sitting close behind, the leading end of the Epsom Handicap market has plenty of depth heading into race week.

Epsom Handicap 2026 Betting Odds

Horse	Win
Autumn Boy	$3.50
Well Written	$4.40
Attica	$6.00
Ceolwulf	$8.00
Idle Flyer	$8.00
Mr Miller	$15.00
Gringotts	$15.00
Declichy Boulevard	$15.00
Sepals	$15.00
Fully Lit	$15.00
Others	$26.00+

Odds from BetRight & correct on 28/09/2026.

Epsom Handicap History

The Epsom Handicap is one of Sydney's premier spring races, with a rich history dating back more than 150 years. First run in 1863, the Group 1 feature has become a cornerstone of the Sydney Spring Carnival and remains one of Australia's most coveted handicap contests.

Contested over 1600m for the vast majority of its existence, the Epsom Handicap is regarded as one of the nation's ultimate tests for milers. The only exception came during a brief five-year period when the race was run over 1800m before reverting to its traditional distance.

Named in honour of England's famous Epsom Downs Racecourse, the event has consistently attracted elite fields and produced some of the sport's most memorable winners. Its honour roll features legendary gallopers such as Nightmarch, Sky High, Imposing, Super Impose and the great Winx.

The race continues to hold a special place on the Australian racing calendar, often bringing together proven Group 1 performers and emerging stars looking to stamp their authority on the spring.

Recent editions have been won by Rediener (2023), Ceolwulf (2024) and Autumn Glow (2025), with Autumn Glow becoming the latest high-class performer to etch her name into Epsom Handicap history.