Autumn Glow reigns supreme in stunning comeback to win Winx Stakes

The first clash of racing’s super mares was compelling even though Autumn Glow dominated the race to claim the fourth Group 1 win of her career in the $1 million Winx Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

But Sheza Alibi’s effort to finish within one-and-a-half lengths of the winner after missing the start was also outstanding.

Whether we will get to see the two mares clash again this spring will depend on what Group 1 race the connections of Autumn Glow decide to set her for – either the $20 million The TAB Everest (1200m) or the $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 17.

Hall of Fame trainer Chris Waller and owner John Messara said they are in no rush to make that big call.

“There are so many things to analyse – the horse’s health first of all, sectional times, the likely competition. We will have to sit down and talk it through in a few days.’‘

Messara said he expected to make a decision on The Everest or King Charles for Autumn Glow within a week or two.

“She will have a few days off and then we will see how she has pulled through this race,’‘ Messara said.

“I would say we will try to meet with Chris in about a week or so and then decide what we do – but we will enjoy today first.’‘

Mighty mare Autumn Glow ($1.70 favourite) was given the run of the race by jockey James Mcdonald and she was never looked to be in any trouble and was eased down 50m out to still score by one-and-half lengths from Sheza Alibi ($3.50) with nearly two lengths to Gringotts ($21).

Despite not being fully extended, Autumn Glow ran a new race record time of 1m 21.03s for the Randwick 1400m. In a race loaded with highlights:

#Autumn Glow scored her 12th win from 13 starts, her fourth at Group 1 level, and took her career earnings over $9 million.

#She became the 12th favourite to win the race this century, and the seventh to start odds-on.

#Waller trained his 10th winner of the Winx (formerly Warwick) Stakes to equal the race training record of the legendary Tommy Smith.

#McDonald rode his fifth Winx Stakes winner in six years and is now just one behind the all-time race riding record held by “Demon” Darby Munro.