Autumn Glow gave Chris Waller a lot to think about following a strong trial at Randwick on Monday.

The unbeaten filly finished third, 2-1/2 lengths behind dual Group 2 winner Schwarz, but jockey Zac Lloyd didn’t urge her during the 1050-metre trial.

The daughter of The Autumn Sun is one of up to five runners for Waller in Saturday’s Group 1 Surround Stakes at Randwick, though Waller will monitor her progress before deciding whether to face Lady Shenandoah in the $750,000 race over 1400 metres.

“If she’s not ready to run in the Surround and beat Lady Shenandoah we probably won’t run,” Waller said.

Autumn Glow has not raced since her victory in the Group 2 Tea Rose Stakes (1400m) on September 21, and Monday’s trial was her second of the campaign after a relaxed sixth placing at Warwick Farm on February 11.

The $1.8 million yearling was scratched from last spring’s Group 1 Flight Stakes due to a knee injury that required surgery, clearing the path for Lady Shenandoah to take the win in that 1600m event.

Lady Shenandoah impressed in her return with a dominant victory in the Group 2 Light Fingers Stakes (1200m) at Randwick on February 15.

Amelita, Delichy Boulevard, and Lazzura are also expected to run for Waller in the Surround Stakes, though they may find it difficult to beat Lady Shenandoah.

“She’s probably our number one seed, she’s resumed with a run, she was dominant, as she was in the spring, and it will be hard for the others to beat her,” Waller said.

“There will be some improvement with the others. If they appreciate the 1400 metres then maybe they can beat Lady Shenandoah, but she’s certainly the benchmark.”

Waller also has a strong hand in Saturday’s other Group 1 at Randwick, the $1 million Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m), where Fangirl and Via Sistina will meet again.

Lindermann, who finished between Fangirl and Via Sistina in the Apollo Stakes, will also compete, along with returning stablemate Land Legend. Joe Pride’s Ceolwulf is another notable runner.