King Charles III Stakes is the target for Autumn Glow
The decision regarding Autumn Glow's primary spring carnival objective has been announced by owner John Messara and trainer Chris Waller, bringing an end to months of speculation.
Having been awarded Australian Horse of the Year at the Racing Night of Champions ceremony in Sydney on Thursday evening, Autumn Glow had attracted substantial interest from slot-holders for the lucrative Group 1 $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 17.
However, the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes, contested over the iconic 1600m at Royal Randwick, a distance at which Autumn Glow excels, falls on the same day.
Following a meeting on Thursday involving Messara, Waller, and jockey James McDonald, it was determined that the King Charles III Stakes presented the most suitable engagement for Autumn Glow.
Messara informed Racing And Sports that the challenge of confronting Hong Kong's world champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising in The Everest was "very tempting".
"We looked closely at The Everest and there was a part of me that wanted to try and beat Ka Ying Rising,'' Messara said.
"But the reality is Ka Ying Rising is as good as any sprinter I've ever seen and 1200m is his best distance.
"We all feel Autumn Glow is at her best between 1400m and 1600m so it was agreed we should go for the King Charles.''
Currently, Autumn Glow is the firm $1.60 TAB Fixed Odds favourite for the King Charles, with Sheza Alibi at $2.80, and the two-time defending champion Ceolwulf sharing the third line of betting at $8 with Pride Of Jenni.
The Group 2 $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on September 19 is the probable lead-up race for Autumn Glow as she prepares for the King Charles.
Furthermore, Messara expressed his eagerness for Autumn Glow to compete at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, with the Champions Sprint (1200m) or the Champions Mile (1600m) on November 7 being potential targets.
If Autumn Glow is kept fresh for the sprint, it would provide the mare with an opportunity to race down the Flemington straight course, possibly in preparation for a Royal Ascot campaign next June.
The defection of Autumn Glow from The Everest is anticipated to cause shifts in betting markets. Ka Ying Rising, the dominant $1.50 favourite to achieve consecutive victories in the world's richest turf race, is expected to see his odds shorten.
Autumn Glow had been positioned as the second favourite for The Everest at $5, with Tempted priced at $9.
With The Everest less than two months away, it is noteworthy that not a single starter has been officially confirmed.
Ka Ying Rising, who showcased impressive form in a recent trial, is slated to be selected for the Hong Kong Jockey Club slot, although this has not yet been officially announced.
Explore the latest racing betting markets for the King Charles III Stakes and other major events at your favourite online bookmakers.
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