Autumn Glow ($1.75F) continued her rapid rise in Australian racing by dominating the $10,000,000 Golden Eagle at Randwick, a win that has only intensified comparisons to the legendary Winx.
The Chris Waller-trained mare made it eight wins from as many starts, pulling clear over the final stages to score by a length and a quarter from Sepals ($21), with Evaporate ($11) closing late for third a further long neck away.
Reunited with James McDonald after two missed rides due to travel, Autumn Glow enjoyed a perfect run three-wide with cover before unleashing her signature finishing burst.
Waller said the quality of the field again reinforced the status of the race.
“This race is gaining momentum, I actually thought it was a group one race,” Waller said.
“The ratings it rates every year is quite special.
“It’s a race that’s held on the world stage, a high benchmark, and that’s why we decided to run her here.”
McDonald was glowing in his praise, convinced the mare is still improving.
“She gives me that ooh-la-la feeling. I’d love to see her in a Cox Plate,” McDonald said.
“I don’t think we’ve seen the best version of her yet either, we’re so lucky to have her.
“She was out on her feet and she just keeps finding, she is fair dinkum.
“She knew she was in a race today and it was all due to the heavy ground, it was very testing out there for her.”
Waller dismissed comparisons with Winx when questioned post-race.
“No chance,” Waller said.
“I don’t care if she gets beaten, she’s a star in herself and the sequence is irrelevant.”