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English/Ire

Autumn Glow to take on the world

Unbeaten Autumn Glow could be restricted to races up to 1600m this autumn in keeping with a long range plan to have the super mare at her sprinting peak for a potential career swansong at the prestigious Royal Ascot carnival in England next year.

AUTUMN GLOW winning the GOLDEN EAGLE at Randwick in Australia.
AUTUMN GLOW winning the GOLDEN EAGLE at Randwick in Australia. Picture: Bradley Photos.
Owner John Messara has told Racing And Sports there is some reluctance to stretch Autumn Glow out to 2000m which means she is no certainty to be aimed at races like the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in Sydney during autumn and the Cox Plate in Melbourne's spring carnival.

"We have got ourselves a 'filly' that is world class and that is why we are looking beyond our shores in 2027,'' Messara said.

"Royal Ascot next year is a very real possibility. It is a fantastic, iconic race meeting and either the Queen Elizabeth II Jubilee Stakes (1200m) or the Queen Anne Stakes (1600m) would be the target.

"Autumn Glow is adept up to 1600m, we know that, so we are mindful of keeping the 'sprint' in her legs.

"Of course, we will be guided by Chris (Waller, trainer). He will do what is right by the mare.''

Waller confirmed Autumn Glow will be kept to races up to 1600m – for now at least.

"She will resume in the Apollo (Stakes, 1400m), then the Chipping Norton (Verry Elleegant Stakes, 1600m) and the George Ryder (Stakes, 1500m) all going to plan,'' Waller said.

"Then we will work it out if she goes to either the Queen Elizabeth (Stakes, 2000m) or the Queen of the Turf (Stakes, 1600m).''

Jockey : JAMES MCDONALD after, AUTUMN GLOW winning the GOLDEN EAGLE
Jockey : JAMES MCDONALD after, AUTUMN GLOW winning the GOLDEN EAGLE Picture: Martin King / Sportpix
The $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes and the $1 million Queen of the Turf Stakes are run at Royal Randwick on April 11, Day Two of The Championships.

With a possibility Autumn Glow will not be pushed out beyond 1600m this autumn, it will prompt a significant revamp of some TAB Fixed Odds feature race betting markets.

Autumn Glow wasn't even in early betting for the Queen of the Turf Stakes until she was inserted as $4.50 favourite on Tuesday while she is currently at $4 second favourite for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes behind Sir Delius ($2.50).

TAB's early Cox Plate markets for next spring has Autumn Glow on the second line of betting at $4 but she is essentially the favourite as French champion Calandagan ($3.50) is considered an unlikely starter.

Autumn Glow, brilliant winner of her eight starts including the Group 1 Epsom Handicap and Golden Eagle to close out her spring campaign last year, will have an exhibition gallop between races at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The outstanding four-year-old mare is set to resume racing in the Group 2 $300,000 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on February 14.


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