Having shouldered the weight of Winx’s legendary 33-race unbeaten run, Chris Waller takes a pragmatic stance on upholding Autumn Glow’s spotless sequence.
Hailed as potentially racing’s brightest young gun, the mare initiates her latest preparation in Saturday’s Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick, tipped at $1.55 to claim victory number nine from nine.
Waller, however, insists his emphasis is on forging the correct preparation rather than fixating on extending Autumn Glow’s faultless ledger, prioritising peak condition for her comeback.
“Not really. I have been in that territory before,” Waller said.
“She is prepared for next week exactly how she would have been prepared last week. She’s not screwed down and with room for improvement.
“And when she gets beaten it will be bad luck, not through ability.”
With 10 acceptors including six Waller-trained, the Apollo Stakes (1400m) acts as the standard carnival kickoff.
Barrier nine is Autumn Glow’s starting post, and indicators suggest she has returned in the form of her spring finale, featuring a first Group 1 in the Epsom Handicap and success in the Golden Eagle (1500m).
Two barrier trials and a Randwick exhibition gallop between races last Saturday have readied her, the latter impressing regular rider James McDonald.
“She has come back well, basically where she left off,” Waller said.
“Everything has gone to plan so far. Two trials, a nice easy gallop today and James is very happy. He said she was never out of second gear.”
Her itinerary eyes the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) leading to the George Ryder Stakes (1500m), beyond which remains open.
A mile remains her maximum to date, so the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) or Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) may beckon based on team deliberations over distance trials.
The star-studded Apollo Stakes also houses stablemate Aeliana, Ceolwulf with his multiple Group 1s, and Doncaster Mile winner Stefi Magnetica. Fans can dive into online bookmakers for the best Apollo Stakes prices.
The post Waller not worried about protecting Autumn Glow’s winning run first appeared on Just Horse Racing.