Autumn Glow remains unbeaten and wins first G1 in 2025 Epsom Handicap
Measured as ever, Kerrin McEvoy still reached for the big call after Autumn Glow’s sparkling victory in the Epsom Handicap, branding the flawless mare a potential champion following her first Group 1 success at Randwick.
Autumn Glow ($1.75 fav) overcame an awkward alley, a 54-1/2kg impost and a first test at 1600m to post a decisive 1-1/4 length win over Fully Lit ($31). She even shed a shoe mid-race, which may have caused a fleeting lull as they turned, before clicking into overdrive.
“She pulled a shoe so I don’t know if that is part of the reason,” McEvoy said.
“For one hundred metres or so I was a bit worried but then she was good. She changed on to her ‘fresh’ leg on straightening and away she went.
“She is a champion in the making, I think.
“I don’t like calling them champions too early but she has gone to a new level today.”
Now seven from seven, the Chris Waller-trained mare will be managed with majors in mind rather than the preservation of an unbeaten record. The triumph also evoked memories of this meeting ten years back, when Winx captured the Epsom Handicap—though Waller stressed there’s “a long way to go.”
“Yes it has. But there’s a long way to go,” Waller said.
“We will just place her right and probably one more run is enough for this prep. It’s all about Group Ones for me.
“I would say it’s the Golden Eagle but if it’s not the Golden Eagle it will be the Empire Rose Stakes. They’re both great races and they mean a lot to me.”
Fully Lit made the play in front and boxed on strongly for second. Pericles, who fluffed the start, ran another honest race into third.
“He just stumbled as the gate opened. Just tried to anticipate the start too much,” Parr said.
“It allowed Autumn Glow and Pier to have the wood on us early. A very good effort.”
Ceolwulf, last year’s hero, finished sixth; rider Chad Schofield felt firmer ground may have blunted his late kick.
“The pace did come out of the race mid-race,” Schofield said.
“We got into the clear very nicely. I felt like he just wants a bit of give in the track. He was good though. He was genuine.”
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