The return of unbeaten mare Autumn Glow is not only set to be one of the highlights of the Winx Stakes meeting but a campaign defining race for the emerging star.
The four-year-old will step out in the Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1100m) as trainer Chris Waller looks to test her sprinting credentials, admitting a start in The Everest isn’t off the table if she can prove she is sharp enough.
“We’re not sure whether she is a sprinter or a miler,” Waller said.
“The Epsom looks perfect for her but we are going to give her a chance to sprint. Who is to say she is not an Everest contender?”
Autumn Glow was a dual acceptor for Saturday’s program but Waller scratched her from the Show County Quality (1200m) in preference for the fillies and mares’ feature where James Mcdonald will ride her a half-kilo over her 55kg handicap.
She hasn’t raced on ground worse than a soft 6 but Waller is content to test her in the expected heavy conditions, comfortable she has a solid foundation for her first start since claiming the Darby Munro Stakes (1200m) in March.
“Because we’re well prepared, I’m prepared to try, but I would like to see no rain on the day,” he said.
“She was in no rush to begin and we’ve looked after her thus far, but as long as it’s safe on the day she will be running.”
By Waller’s former star The Autumn Sun, Autumn Glow has created a big impression in her four starts, three of them at stakes level.
While looking forward to seeing her back at the races, Waller cautions she is still learning and wants to see her pass an important milestone this spring before buying into the hype.
“I want to tick the Group One box first so I’m not getting too excited until then,” he said.
With Waller scratching Lazzura, who will instead contest the Show County Quality (1200m), a field of 11 will tackle the Toy Show including Group 1 winner Manaal, Robert Sangster Stakes runner-up Ameena and the emerging Shohisha.
