Unbeaten mare Autumn Glow has become such a force that she’s not just scaring off rivals, but even deterring her own stablemates from lining up against her in the $1 million Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick next Saturday.

Trainer Chris Waller, who usually fields a strong hand in Randwick mile features, indicated his Epsom team would be smaller than usual with Autumn Glow looming as the standout.

“We will work that out on Monday but we will be less than normal,” Waller said. “I think the top seed is going to be hard to beat.”

Autumn Glow warmed up for her first Group 1 test with a solo gallop between races at Rosehill on Saturday. With Kerrin McEvoy in the saddle, she cruised over 1000m in 1:06.92, clocking her final 600m in 36.94 seconds.

The mare is aiming to stretch her unbeaten record to seven after impressive victories in the Toy Show Quality (1100m) and Theo Marks Stakes (1300m) to kick off her carnival campaign. Waller labelled her preparation as “perfect.”

“Since her good last start win she has ticked over nicely at home and we thought we’d bring her (to Rosehill) to give her a race day experience, settle the nerves and make sure we were on track for next Saturday,” Waller said.

While his Epsom numbers may be down, Waller will again be well represented in the Group 1 Metropolitan (2400m), with Birdman and Soul Of Spain headlining his team following last-start victories.

“We’ll be well represented there. Birdman was terrific the other week and he’s very well suited by the handicap. Soul Of Spain, who won at Newcastle, he gets in very well also with only a half-kilo penalty,” Waller said.

Etna Rosso, More Felons and Travolta are also on track for the staying contest, while Enviable and Karinska are set to carry the stable’s hopes in the Group 1 Flight Stakes (1600m) for three-year-old fillies.

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