Autumn Glow to tackle Queen Elizabeth Stakes distance

On Tuesday, trainer Chris Waller and owner John Messara disclosed that Autumn Glow will extend her flawless brilliance to middle-distance for the debut time across her undefeated 11-race tenure, aiming for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on April 11, Day Two at The Championships.

This decision ensures Autumn Glow skips the Group 1 $4m Doncaster Mile (1600m) on the same course seven days beforehand.

During Monday's deliberations, Waller, Messara, and elite jockey James McDonald reviewed options before settling on the Queen Elizabeth Stakes for the mare.

Last Saturday, Autumn Glow notched her peak career showing by securing the George Ryder Stakes, winning by close to three lengths under a hold.

Her Timeform rating hit 128, on par with The Everest winner Ka Ying Rising for the season's leading Australian track figure, affirming to her connections that the Queen Elizabeth Stakes's 2000m is achievable.

"We've been very pleased with how she's come through her impressive George Ryder Stakes victory," Waller said.

"James McDonald and I have been particularly taken with her ability to relax in her races, along with her outstanding recovery post run."

The mare's dazzling effort in the Ryder swayed Messara towards the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, he indicated.

"I felt her win last Saturday was so dominant, she deserves the opportunity to go to 2000m - she wasn't even blowing after the race and has pulled up so well,'' Messara said.

"We looked at the Doncaster Mile carefully, it is a great race but it comes with the usual risks and a very big field.

"Plus it will be worthwhile finding out of Autumn Glow gets a strong 2000m as we have a race in the spring called the Cox Plate we want to consider.''

In response to the declaration, TAB Fixed Odds shortened Autumn Glow from $1.60 into $1.50 as favourite for the autumn carnival's top Sydney weight-for-age contest.

Adjustments hit the Doncaster Mile as well, elevating emerging three-year-old filly Sheza Alibi to $2.10 supremacy.

"With confirmation Autumn Glow will go to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, she is into $1.50 now,'' TAB's Tim Ryan said.

"Pending further news on who else is going to the Queen Elizabeth, Autumn Glow will probably start even shorter.

"We had Autumn Glow at $3.50 for the Doncaster but now we know she isn't going to run, Sheza Alibi has firmed from $2.30 to $2.10 favourite. The money for Sheza Alibi has been relentless.''

Victory in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes would hand racing's "Miss Invincible" Autumn Glow the Horse of the Year title.

This preparation has seen her triumphant in all seven starts, with Group 1 successes in the Epsom Handicap, Verry Elleegant Stakes and George Ryder Stakes, plus the Golden Eagle that merits Group 1 elevation.

Of note, Autumn Glow has conquered Group 1s in spring and autumn under both handicap weights and set weights.

Visit leading online bookmakers to find racing betting markets for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.