Chris Waller not worried about protecting Autumn Glow’s winning run

Chris Waller says his focus is on having Autumn Glow ready to perform first-up rather than protecting the mare’s unbeaten streak as she prepares to resume in Saturday’s Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.

Autumn Glow, widely regarded as one of racing’s emerging stars, is the $1.55 favourite as she attempts to extend her winning run to nine.

Waller, who previously managed Winx through her celebrated sequence of victories, said his primary concern is ensuring the mare is ideally prepared for her return.

“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.”

The Apollo Stakes field features 10 runners, six of them trained by Waller, with Autumn Glow set to jump from barrier nine.

Her resumption follows a standout spring campaign that included a Group 1 breakthrough in the Epsom Handicap and victory in The Golden Eagle (1500m).

Her preparation has included two trials and an exhibition gallop at Randwick last weekend, drawing positive feedback from jockey 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.”

The mare is expected to progress through the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) and the Group 1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m), with later targets to be determined.

Having raced no further than a mile, potential options later in the campaign include the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) and the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), depending on whether connections elect to test her over longer distances.

Among her rivals in the Apollo Stakes are stablemate Aeliana, multiple Group 1 winner Ceolwulf and Doncaster Mile victor Stefi Magnetica.