Autumn Glow sparkles in 2025 The Golden Eagle
Champion trainer Chris Waller looks to have another superstar on his hands, with Autumn Glow ($1.75F) extending her perfect record to eight wins after claiming the $10,000,000 Golden Eagle in commanding style.
She surged away late to defeat Sepals ($21) by 1.25 lengths, with Evaporate ($11) closing late for third just behind them.
James McDonald, reunited with the mare for the first time in two starts, guided her beautifully despite covering ground throughout the 1500m contest.
Waller expressed disbelief that the race had not yet been upgraded to Group 1 level.
“This race is gaining momentum, I actually thought it was a group one race,” Waller said.
“The ratings it rates every year is quite special.
“It’s a race that’s held on the world stage, a high benchmark, and that’s why we decided to run her here.”
McDonald said Autumn Glow still has untapped potential.
“She gives me that ooh-la-la feeling. I’d love to see her in a Cox Plate,” McDonald said.
“I don’t think we’ve seen the best version of her yet either, we’re so lucky to have her.
“She was out on her feet and she just keeps finding, she is fair dinkum.
“She knew she was in a race today and it was all due to the heavy ground, it was very testing out there for her.”
But Waller was quick to stop comparisons to his greatest ever mare.
“No chance,” Waller said.
“I don’t care if she gets beaten, she’s a star in herself and the sequence is irrelevant.”
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