Champion trainer Chris Waller is yet to finalise the exact number of runners that will accompany star mare Autumn Glow in the upcoming Group One Winx Stakes, but he is expected to have a significant presence in the feature race.
Six of his stable’s carnival contenders participated in exhibition gallops at Rosehill on Saturday. Four of these horses are anticipated to be nominated for the 1400-metre race next weekend, with Autumn Glow being one of them.
“Whatever is ready to run, will run, so there will be a lot. It’s just such an important starting point,” Waller commented from Rosehill. “Not many of them could probably beat a horse like Autumn Glow, but when you’ve got horses like Beiwacht, anything is possible. They’re all well prepared. They’ve been trialling for a number of weeks now. Today was an important stepping stone for me and the horses just to see exactly where they are seven days out from a very big race day.”
Top jockey James McDonald rode Autumn Glow during her solo workout between races. The mare impressed, and McDonald provided a very positive report.
“She is ready to go,” McDonald stated. “She seems to be working really well. Every bit of work she has done, she has come on, worked a bit sharper and sharper.”
Beiwacht and Lady Shenandoah also galloped independently. Waller confirmed both would be entered for the Winx Stakes (1400m). Meanwhile, ATC Sires’ Produce Stakes winner Campione D’Italia is likely to be aimed at the Show County Quality (1200m) on the same day’s program.
Buckaroo, French import Barnavara, and Autumn Boy exercised together on Saturday. Of this trio, only Autumn Boy is slated to compete in the Winx Stakes.
Buckaroo is scheduled to commence his campaign in the Memsie Stakes (1400m) at Caulfield a week later. Barnavara’s gear will be adjusted by Waller after her spirited gallop.
Aeliana, Fangirl, Lindermann, and Angel Capital are also probable Winx Stakes nominees for Waller. However, Angel Capital is expected to join Buckaroo in Melbourne.
Following an earlier setback in her preparation, Aeliana’s barrier trial performance on Friday pleased Waller, and she remains a strong contender for the Winx Stakes. “She will definitely be in the ‘noms’,” he said. “She only trialled (on Friday) because of the setback, but I think over 850 (metres), she was sharp enough, which is what I wanted to see.”
Those keen to place a wager on the feature event might consider exploring the latest racing odds available at Australian betting sites.