Trainer Chris Waller and owner John Messara announced on Tuesday that Autumn Glow will be asked to stretch her brilliance out to a middle distance for the first time during her unbeaten 11-start career for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on April 11, Day Two of The Championships.
Waller, Messara and champion jockey James McDonald discussed the various race options on Monday before reaching a consensus to aim the mare at the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Autumn Glow produced a career-best performance to win the George Ryder Stakes last Saturday, scoring by nearly three lengths easing down.
She returned a Timeform rating of 128, equal with the The Everest winner Ka Ying Rising as the highest figure on an Australian racetrack this season, and convinced her trainer, owner and jockey that the 2000m of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes is within her reach.
“We’ve been very pleased with how she’s come through her impressive George Ryder Stakes victory,” Waller said.
“James McDonald and I have been particularly taken with her ability to relax in her races, along with her outstanding recovery post run.”
Messara said Autumn Glow’s virtuoso performance in the Ryder also convinced him to go to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
“I felt her win last Saturday was so dominant, she deserves the opportunity to go to 2000m – she wasn’t even blowing after the race and has pulled up so well,” Messara said.
“Plus it will be worthwhile finding out of Autumn Glow gets a strong 2000m as we have a race in the spring called the Cox Plate we want to consider.”
TAB Fixed Odds reacted to the announcement by firming Autumn Glow from $1.60 into $1.50 favourite for Sydney’s richest weight-for-age race of the autumn carnival.
“With confirmation Autumn Glow will go to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, she is into $1.50 now,” TAB’s Tim Ryan said.
“Pending further news on who else is going to the Queen Elizabeth, Autumn Glow will probably start even shorter.
“We had Autumn Glow at $3.50 for the Doncaster but now we know she isn’t going to run, Sheza Alibi has firmed from $2.30 to $2.10 favourite. The money for Sheza Alibi has been relentless.”
Racing’s “Miss Invincible” Autumn Glow will secure Horse of the Year honours if she wins the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
She has won her seven starts so far this season including three Group 1 wins in the Epsom Handicap, Verry Elleegant Stakes and George Ryder Stakes. She also won the Golden Eagle which is deserving of Group 1 status.
Significantly, Autumn Glow has won Group 1 races in spring and autumn, under handicap and weight-for-age conditions.
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