Autumn Glow maintains her perfect record with victory in the Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill.
The racing world’s attention was fixed on Autumn Glow. The mare, a product of the respected Newhaven Park and a perfect six-for-six on the track, had just delivered a commanding performance in the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes. This latest victory left her with a significant decision: aim for the $20 million Everest or the historic $1.5 million Epsom Handicap?
Autumn Glow’s pedigree was a testament to her quality. Her sire, The Autumn Sun, was a champion in his own right, known for passing on a potent blend of speed and stamina. Newhaven Park had carefully nurtured her from a gangly foal into a racing machine, and her perfect record was a testament to both her innate talent and the meticulous planning of her connections.
The Epsom, a race steeped in tradition, was the clear preference for her trainer, Chris Waller. It was a classic mile, a test of both speed and staying power, and a race that would truly cement Autumn Glow’s place in racing history.
Waller’s assistant, Charlie Duckworth, echoed the sentiment. “She is the best horse in training who hasn’t won a Group 1 yet,” he said, his voice brimming with a quiet confidence.
“I’m sure that will come with time. Chris mentioned plotting a path towards an Epsom.”
However, the allure of The Everest was a powerful one, a siren’s call that whispered of unimaginable glory and a life-changing payday. Her owner, John Messara, a man who had helped shape the Australian breeding industry, was not one to close the door on such an opportunity. The Everest was more than a race; it was a global spectacle, and to have a horse like Autumn Glow compete would be the ultimate validation of her talent.
The parallels to champion mare Winx, who won the same race a decade ago before capturing the Epsom, only added to the anticipation. Was Autumn Glow the next Winx? The punters certainly seemed to think so. They hammered her odds for the Epsom from $2.30 to a dominant $1.90, a vote of confidence in her ability to handle the step up in distance and class. The Everest was a longer shot at $11, but the possibility, the tantalising “what if,” was still very much alive.
On race day, jockey Kerrin McEvoy had a plan. He positioned Autumn Glow just behind the leaders, giving her a clean run. He felt the mare quicken beneath him with an electrifying surge, a raw power that took his breath away.
“I think she might have almost given Kerrin a fright how quickly she quickened up,” Duckworth noted later, describing the mare’s effortless acceleration. Autumn Glow surged to the front and won by two-and-a-quarter lengths, securing another victory and boosting her total earnings to an impressive $862,500.
After the race, McEvoy was asked which race he thought was a better fit for the mare. He leaned toward the Epsom, saying, “I think she’ll stay further, but she’s got a motor as well.” He also joked that a run in the Epsom might give him a better chance to ride her.
While the final decision rests with the stable and owner, one thing is clear: Autumn Glow is a rising star, and a Group 1 victory is a matter of when, not if.
– Tully Potts
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