Autumn Glow’s extreme 2025 Epsom Handicap draw
Barrier luck has gone against Autumn Glow as she prepares for her first Group 1 test, drawing widest of all in barrier 14 for Saturday’s Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Randwick.
The unbeaten mare will be striving to become just the fourth mare in 50 years to win the Epsom, though recent history has favoured them, with Secret Admirer, Winx and Probabeel all successful since 2011.
McEvoy keeps the ride at 54.5kg, with trainer Chris Waller confirming James McDonald will partner Via Sistina in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington.
Waller has two runners in the 14-horse field — Autumn Glow and Lord Penman — and is chasing his sixth win in the race. Assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth is full of confidence the mare is primed to deliver.
“It always makes it harder, but she’s a good horse,” Duckworth said.
“She’s terrific. She obviously had that exhibition gallop on Saturday at the races and bounced through that.
“She was just literally doing too well. She’s bouncing out of her skin. She’s ready to explode, it’s her first crack at a Group One, but she deserves it.”
Autumn Glow has opened a dominant $1.80 favourite, an even shorter price than Winx started when she won the 2015 Epsom carrying 57kg.
Waller’s weekend assault includes strong chances across the feature Group 1s at Randwick and Flemington. Among them is Birdman, the $5 favourite for the Group 1 The Metropolitan (2400m), despite an awkward draw of barrier 17.
The Kingston Town Stakes winner will again be ridden by Kerrin McEvoy, with Duckworth confident the gelding is on track.
“Running at the set weights race meant he was exempt from having a penalty, terrific job to get that win and still get in with a nice light weight,” Duckworth said.
“2400 metres will be a massive positive, just an awkward draw, Kerrin is going to need to be good.”
Waller has twice completed the Epsom/Metropolitan double, most recently in 2019 when he also claimed the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington.
Those looking to bet on the Epsom Handicap should compare Australia’s top betting sites and leading online bookmakers for the best value.
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