Autumn Glow on audition for The $20m Everest 2025

Saturday’s Group 3 Toy Show Quality (1100m) at Randwick will mark the long-awaited return of unbeaten mare Autumn Glow, with the race seen as a crucial test in shaping her spring carnival campaign.

Part of the Winx Stakes program, the Chris Waller-trained four-year-old has been perfect in four starts, three of those at stakes level, highlighted by her autumn triumph in the Darby Munro Stakes (1200m).

Waller is still undecided whether her future lies as a sprinter or at a mile, leaving the door ajar for a possible Everest tilt. “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 had also been entered in the Show County Quality, but Waller elected for the Toy Show with James McDonald to partner her at 55.5kg.

While she has yet to race on a heavy surface, Waller is happy to roll the dice. “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.”

The mare is by Waller’s former champion The Autumn Sun, and while her unbeaten record has generated excitement, Waller is determined to keep things in perspective. “I want to tick the Group One box first so I’m not getting too excited until then,” he said.

The Toy Show will feature a quality field including Group 1 winner Manaal, Robert Sangster Stakes runner-up Ameena, and promising Shohisha.

For punters, markets on the Toy Show Quality and Autumn Glow’s return are available now at Australia’s leading betting sites.