Autumn Glow triumphs over Sheza Alibi in star mare clash

The anticipated duel between racing's premier mares delivered a compelling spectacle, with Autumn Glow ultimately dominating to clinch her fourth career Group 1 victory in the $1 million Winx Stakes (1400m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Sheza Alibi's performance to secure second place, just one-and-a-half lengths adrift, was exceptional given her slow start.

The prospect of a rematch between the two mares this spring remains uncertain, contingent upon the Group 1 event Autumn Glow's connections elect to target – either the $20 million The TAB Everest (1200m) or the $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 17.

Legendary trainer Chris Waller and owner John Messara suggested that a swift decision is unlikely.

"We won't worry about that today,'' Waller commented. "There are so many things to analyse – the horse's health first of all, sectional times, the likely competition. We will have to sit down and talk it through in a few days."

Messara indicated that a call on whether Autumn Glow contests The Everest or King Charles would be made within one to two weeks.

"She will have a few days off and then we will see how she has pulled through this race,'' Messara said. "I would say we will try to meet with Chris in about a week or so and then decide what we do – but we will enjoy today first."

Autumn Glow's commanding comeback win provided ample reason for celebration. The $1.70 favourite, under jockey James McDonald, was afforded the perfect run and was eased down in the closing stages, still winning by 1.5 lengths from Sheza Alibi ($3.50). Gringotts ($21) finished a further two lengths behind in third.

Impressively, Autumn Glow clocked a new race record of 1:21.03 for the 1400m at Randwick, even without being fully extended. The race featured several notable achievements:

Autumn Glow's victory marked her 12th win from 13 starts, her fourth at Group 1 level, and propelled her career earnings past $9 million.

She was the 12th favourite this century to claim the Winx Stakes, and the seventh to start as the odds-on favourite.

Chris Waller recorded his 10th Winx Stakes winner, matching the training record set by the iconic Tommy Smith.

James McDonald rode his fifth Winx Stakes winner in six years, putting him within one of the race riding record held by "Demon" Darby Munro.

Several horses performed admirably behind the leading mares, including Gringotts (third), Lady Shenandoah (fourth), Ceolwulf (fifth), Idle Flyer (sixth), and Green Spaces (eighth). Even the front-runner, Midnight Dynamite (seventh), ran with merit.

However, Autumn Glow's consistent, efficient racing style makes winning top-tier races appear routine.

"She's so special, just her gate speed and tractability,'' McDonald shared. "She knows when she's in a race because from the 500m to the 400m, it's like she just powers into herself and just builds herself, she just knows. It's an incredible feeling and even though she puts herself in good spots, for her to have that audacity to fill her lungs up and know it's go time, just let rip, it's just incredible."

McDonald also lauded Sheza Alibi's strong closing effort for second.

"The second horse, take nothing away, she's special as well. An incredible performance by her and I think we just embrace the two mares for how good they are,'' McDonald said. "Even if they clash they're two special, great horses that have come along at the same time. One's a year older, but when they have their clashes it's going to be some great rivalry. I wouldn't swap Autumn Glow for any horse but I love the competitiveness."

Waller welcomed Peter Moody's decision to campaign Sheza Alibi in Sydney against Autumn Glow.

"It was great that Peter Moody and the owners brought the mare up to Sydney,'' Waller stated. "This was the first round of competition running these headline horses. As James just said, people come to the races because they want to see these great horses racing each other. We don't always want these clashes but it is important for the sport. We have come out of round one pretty well but I'm pretty sure there will be round two or round three."

Autumn Glow, a five-year-old mare, has delivered her most impressive first-up performance to date in the Winx Stakes, setting a strong foundation for her spring campaign.

"We know how good she is, so nothing has changed,'' Waller confirmed. "We just needed her to come back and show us where she is. She was ready to go because I didn't want her to have a tough time first-up. If she had to reach beyond what she was fit enough to do, then that it would have been tough on her."

Messara expressed a significant sense of relief.

"With these great horses, you just want them to come back at the start of a new season and perform at their best,'' Messara said. "She was very impressive today, it was great to watch her. She's a very special mare and I feel this could be her best season."

Moody acknowledged Sheza Alibi's slow start as "wasn't ideal" but refrained from making excuses.

"Sheza Alibi ran well, she found one better on the day,'' Moody concluded. "We've been competitive against the best so we'll see if we can build on it."

Explore the latest racing betting markets for upcoming feature races.