Autumn Glow effortlessly took the lead in the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at the top of the straight, just as Ceolwulf began to make its move.
Trainer Chris Waller turned to jockey Darren Beadman and asked, “Are we in trouble?” Beadman’s immediate response was, “No!”
Beadman’s confidence was well-placed as Autumn Glow comfortably held off Ceolwulf’s challenge, securing victory with her characteristic dominant style at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
There’s an undeniable air of superiority about Autumn Glow’s performances, a testament to her exceptional talent. Witnessing the magnificent mare in full stride is one of racing’s most exhilarating spectacles.
When questioned about her exceptional abilities, Waller remarked, “She is very athletic, she has a great mind and natural brilliance. I think natural brilliance outweighs almost everything else because it is a rare gift.”
Autumn Glow’s jockey, James McDonald, echoed similar sentiments when asked about her strengths, stating, “Tractability, sustained speed and her turn of foot!”
McDonald added, “I don’t think there is a horse that has run past her. She couldn’t catch Sir Delius (in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes last April). Obviously, Ceolwulf is a very good competitor and with blinkers on he had every chance today but still couldn’t beat her. She loves her racing, too. When the pace quickened she loved it, she really picks up and wants me to let her go. But she also knows when it is time to win the race. She’s an incredible horse, a great athlete.”
The favourite, Autumn Glow ($1.26), pulled clear in the home straight, finishing two-and-a-half lengths ahead of Ceolwulf ($4.80). They put more than seven lengths on the early leader, Just Folk ($41).
This victory marks her 14th win from just 15 starts, her fifth Group 1 success, and pushes her career earnings beyond $12.8 million.
Hong Kong’s leading jockey Zac Purton rode Militarize, who finished last in the five-horse field. He succinctly summarised the race, saying, “The best part of that race was watching Autumn Glow. She is a star.”
Waller, who celebrated his 10th King Charles III Stakes win with Autumn Glow, described the mare as the “absolute professional”.
“We asked her to do a bit more work during the week expecting a wet track and more speed in the race,” Waller explained. “But she took it all in her stride and came out and did that today. In modern day racing we have seen quite a few times this spring with tearaway leaders so we have to have them a little bit fitter. But it doesn’t matter how you train her, we just keep it simple and she trains herself. It has been an honour to be working with some great horses like her.”
Autumn Glow’s dominant win was so seamless it was easy to overlook the fact that this was a Group 1 contest, with Ceolwulf aiming for his third consecutive King Charles III Stakes title.
“She lobbed into a good spot then I clicked her up at the 600m,” McDonald recounted. “I wanted to open her up today because she hasn’t had a lung buster for a few starts. “I opened her up and she got to the line. I was waiting for Ceolwulf with his blinkers on, he never came.”
Autumn Glow, the reigning Horse of the Year, has been undefeated in her three Sydney starts this spring, claiming the Group 1 Winx Stakes, Group 2 Seven Sunrise Stakes, and the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes with ease. Her campaign may extend to one more outing, the Group 1 Champions Mile at Flemington on November 7.
“We will have a chat with Mr Messara and Hermitage and see what they want to do,” Waller stated. “But we also want to make sure she has a long career so we want to look after her. She will go to the paddock for three days or so and we will enjoy this win.”
Chad Schofield, buoyed by his Everest-winning ride on Tempted, gave Ceolwulf his best chance but Autumn Glow proved superior.
“I was really proud of him,” Schofield commented. “He was very good there. “I followed her everywhere she went, she quickened very well but so did we. “She was always holding a good margin on us but she wasn’t getting away from us. I looked after him late in case they want to go next week (to the Cox Plate).”
Explore the latest Australian betting sites for your next wager.