Owner John Messara and trainer Chris Waller confirmed on Friday that the highly anticipated spring carnival target for Autumn Glow has been decided, concluding months of speculation.
Autumn Glow, recently crowned Australian Horse of the Year at the Racing Night of Champions in Sydney on Thursday, had generated significant interest from slot-holders for the prestigious Group 1 $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 17.
However, on the same day, the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes over the renowned 1600m course at Royal Randwick, a distance where Autumn Glow has demonstrated exceptional form, also takes place.
Following discussions on Thursday between Messara, Waller, and jockey James McDonald, it was concluded that the King Charles III Stakes is the most suitable race for Autumn Glow.
Messara shared with Racing And Sports that the prospect of challenging Hong Kong’s world champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising in The Everest was “very tempting”.
“We looked closely at The Everest and there was a part of me that wanted to try and beat Ka Ying Rising,” Messara said.
“But the reality is Ka Ying Rising is as good as any sprinter I’ve ever seen and 1200m is his best distance.
“We all feel Autumn Glow is at her best between 1400m and 1600m so it was agreed we should go for the King Charles.”
Autumn Glow currently leads the TAB Fixed Odds market for the King Charles at $1.60, with Sheza Alibi at $2.80 and the two-time defending champion Ceolwulf at $8 alongside Pride Of Jenni.
A likely lead-up race for Autumn Glow towards the King Charles is the Group 2 $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on September 19.
Messara also indicated a desire to race Autumn Glow at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, potentially in the Champions Sprint (1200m) or the Champions Mile (1600m) on November 7.
Should Autumn Glow be prepared for the sprint distance, it would offer the mare a chance to compete on the Flemington straight course, potentially paving the way for a Royal Ascot campaign next June.
With Autumn Glow withdrawing from The Everest, adjustments are expected in the betting landscape. Ka Ying Rising, already a strong $1.50 favourite to secure back-to-back wins in the world’s richest turf race, is anticipated to shorten further in the odds.
Autumn Glow had been the second favourite for The Everest at $5, with Tempted following at $9.
The Everest is less than two months away, yet remarkably, no starter has been officially confirmed.
Ka Ying Rising, who delivered a brilliant trial performance last week, is expected to be selected for the Hong Kong Jockey Club’s slot, though this confirmation is still pending.
Punters looking to get involved in the King Charles III Stakes can find competitive racing odds at leading Australian betting sites.
