Tactical racing expected in 7 Stakes due to small field

Autumn Glow is set to be a very short-priced favourite for the $1 million 7 Stakes at Randwick. Connections are confident in her ability to perform, but they are also aware that a small field can introduce unexpected challenges.

Following Chris Waller's decision to withdraw stablemates Lindermann and Lady Shenandoah to contest Group 1 races in Melbourne, Autumn Glow will face only four competitors. All of these horses have demonstrated their capabilities at the highest level.

Chris Waller's assistant trainer, Charlie Duckworth, conceded that the reduced number of runners in the 7 Stakes (1600m) might not be a positive factor. "It's probably worse. It's obviously going to make it more tactical," Duckworth remarked.

He further elaborated, "If she runs the same figures then she should win, but if she gets cluttered up… you see more hard luck stories in a small field than you do in a field of sixteen. We've just got to weigh up exactly how she gets ridden. She is very adaptable. You can ride her from anywhere. You can take luck out of the equation and going forward is obviously an option, and then you make your own luck."

When questioned about the possibility of Autumn Glow taking the lead, Duckworth stated that all tactical options would be considered. "I don't think so at all. She has gone forward in the past and been happy enough to cruise up close to the speed," he said.

The legendary mare Winx often started at very short odds, including odds-on in 31 of her 43 starts. Her most favourable quote was $1.05 when she secured victory in the 2019 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill.

Autumn Glow has been a short-priced runner in 10 of her 13 previous races and is anticipated to compete at her most competitive price yet this Saturday.

Following Autumn Glow in the market is Gringotts at $9. Aeliana, another runner from the Waller stable, is a $15 chance and will take her place after being scratched from the Underwood Stakes (1800m) in Melbourne.

Aeliana did not perform well first-up, finishing last in the Winx Stakes (1400m). However, with a likely slower pace at Randwick, the stable is expecting a significantly improved performance.

Duckworth noted that Aeliana's coat had not yet fully come through, and the milder Sydney weather was a factor in keeping her in New South Wales for another start. "Chris is just conscious of Aeliana. She takes forever to lose that winter coat and while there's a bit more warmth up here, we'll keep her up here for another couple of weeks before ultimately heading down for a Cox Plate," Duckworth commented.

Saturday's race will be the fourth running of the 7 Stakes (1600m). The inaugural event in 2023 was won by Think It Over, trained by Kerry Parker, while Waller's Fangirl has claimed the last two renewals.

For those interested in betting on the race, you can find competitive racing betting markets at various online bookmakers.