Owner John Messara and trainer Chris Waller revealed on Friday that Autumn Glow’s main spring carnival aim has been locked in, ending months of speculation.
Autumn Glow, who was honoured as Australian Horse of the Year at the Racing Night of Champions ceremony in Sydney on Thursday night, had attracted considerable interest from slot-holders for the Group 1 $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 17.
However, the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes, run over the famous Royal Randwick mile (1600m) course where Autumn Glow has performed so effectively, takes place on the same day.
After a meeting on Thursday involving Messara, Waller, and jockey James McDonald, the consensus was that the King Charles III Stakes is the most appropriate race for Autumn Glow.
Messara commented to 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 is the commanding $1.60 TAB Fixed Odds favourite for the King Charles, with Sheza Alibi at $2.80, followed by the two-time defending champion Ceolwulf at $8, level with Pride Of Jenni.
The mare is expected to have her lead-up run into the King Charles in the Group 2 $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on September 19.
Messara also conveyed his interest in racing Autumn Glow at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, with either the Champions Sprint (1200m) or the Champions Mile (1600m) on November 7 being potential options.
If Autumn Glow is freshened for the sprint, it would present the mare with an opportunity to race down the Flemington straight course, potentially in preparation for a Royal Ascot campaign next June.
With Autumn Glow’s withdrawal from The Everest, betting markets are expected to see adjustments. Ka Ying Rising, the strong $1.50 favourite to win back-to-back renewals of the world’s richest turf race, is likely to firm in the betting.
Autumn Glow had been the second favourite for The Everest at $5, with Tempted at $9.
The Everest is less than two months away, yet remarkably, not a single starter has been officially confirmed.
Ka Ying Rising, who trialled exceptionally well last week, is expected to be selected for the Hong Kong Jockey Club slot, although official confirmation is still pending.
Compare betting sites and find the best Australian betting sites for all the upcoming major races.
