Races

Unbeaten Autumn Glow ready to shine in Group 1 Epsom

This Saturday at Royal Randwick, all eyes will be on Autumn Glow, the rising star of Australian racing, as she takes her first crack at Group 1 glory in the time-honoured 1600m Epsom Handicap.

Trained by Chris Waller, the mare enters the race with a perfect six-from-six record, having dazzled in both the Group 3 Toy Show Quality and the Group 2 Theo Marks Stakes this spring. Her explosive turn of foot and versatility have made her one of the most exciting prospects in the country.

Autumn Glow’s journey to the top hasn’t been without hurdles. A setback last Spring ruled her out of the Flight Stakes, where she was a long odds-on favourite. But Waller’s patient approach has paid off. She’s returned stronger, sharper, and more dominant than ever.

Despite her unbeaten record, Autumn Glow faces a stern test from the widest barrier – gate 14. It’s a tough draw in a high-pressure race, but her lightweight of 54.5kg and the cool hands of Kerrin McEvoy could be the difference, and her team reckon she’s more than ready.

The Epsom Handicap sets up a mouthwatering clash between Autumn Glow and Ceolwulf, last year’s champion. Ceolwulf, trained by Joe Pride, returns with topweight of 58kg and a proven record over the Randwick mile.

But Autumn Glow’s significant weight advantage, unbeaten streak, and blistering acceleration make her a serious threat to dethrone the champ. In fact, five-time Epsom winner Chris Waller has scaled back his team this year, placing his full faith in Autumn Glow.

Victory on Saturday could open doors to even bigger targets like the Cox Plate or even The Everest, depending on how she handles the mile. But for now, the Epsom is her moment to shine.

She may be unbeaten, but Autumn Glow is untested at the top. Saturday’s Epsom will reveal just how high she can fly, and with the nation watching, she’s ready to glow!

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