Autumn Glow's Dominant Win in the Seven Sunrise Stakes

What began as a tactical battle turned into a genuine contest, with Autumn Glow demonstrating her champion qualities to overcome determined rivals.

Autumn Glow, forced to take the lead, faced strong challenges on the turn but managed to accelerate impressively, securing an exciting victory in the $1 million Group 2 Seven Sunrise Stakes over 1600m at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The odds-on favourite, priced at $1.16, was widely expected to win what was anticipated to be a straightforward sit-and-sprint against a small field of four opponents.

However, the race developed into a stern test, requiring Autumn Glow to run a quick Randwick mile in 1:33.78, with her winning margin of a length and a quarter not fully capturing her superiority.

Renowned trainer Chris Waller revealed that he and jockey James McDonald had discussed potential tactics beforehand, acknowledging the possibility of leading.

"James said we might end up in front and Nash (Rawiller, Gringotts) might be there," Waller shared.

"We both decided we will just play it as it comes, (the tactic discussion) nothing too serious, just settling the nerves really.

"But it was good to watch and showed how versatile she is, like she can put herself there or can go back, she just has a great turn of foot.

"I know she was the short priced favourite but the horses in this race are all handy horses.

"There was a sprint from the 500m when it got serious so it was good to see her lift and draw clear in the end."

Autumn Glow ($1.16) faced pressure nearing the crest of the hill as Gringotts, Ceolwulf, and Idle Flyer attempted to make early moves, but the outstanding mare pulled away to win convincingly.

Aeliana ($21) produced a strong late run along the rails to finish a commendable second, a half-neck in front of Ceolwulf ($15).

Idle Flyer was a neck further back in fourth, with Gringotts finishing alongside the placegetters, resulting in a tight finish with only two lengths separating the five runners.

Autumn Glow's impressive record now stands at 13 wins and one third placing from 14 starts, with career earnings approaching $10 million. Her victories are always a spectacle.

The mare's electrifying performance captivated the crowd of over 10,000 at Royal Randwick, who were thrilled to witness her triumph.

Jockey James McDonald stated that he had an open mind regarding Autumn Glow's racing position in the compact field and that leading was not his predetermined strategy.

"I'd have been happy in three positions - first, second or third," McDonald said.

"But once I got control, she just did it herself. She will jump out of the ground third-up.

"She went three quarter pace around then dashed home. They came after me, you probably could say they got to her at the top of the straight, but I let her balance up and she went away with it.

"She did what we needed her to do today. She had fun doing it - ears pricked the whole way."

Owner John Messara believes this season could be Autumn Glow's best, a sentiment supported by her victories in the Winx Stakes and the Seven Sunrise Stakes to begin her five-year-old campaign.

"Autumn Glow showed us today how versatile she is, she ran a very sharp time overall and I would say it was one of her better wins," Messara commented.

"I suspect James McDonald had a fair bit left in the 'petrol tank', too.

"There is improvement to come because her coat is not quite there yet but it will be perfect for King Charles Day."

Messara regards Autumn Glow as the finest horse he has ever owned and mentioned he is less concerned with race results now.

"I worry less now because she has won so many races but it is always a relief when the race is over," Messara stated.

"I no longer worry about winning or losing, we are more worried about the mare and the jockey coming through the race safely."

Chris Waller, who watched the race from the trainer's lounge and praised Darren Flindell's race call as "amazing", confirmed Autumn Glow's target is the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on October 17.

"I'm pretty happy where Autumn Glow is at but there is some improvement to come, we haven't screwed her down yet," Waller commented.

"We will just look after her and she will do the rest."

Waller, also celebrating Group 1 wins by Angel Capital in the Sir Rupert Clarke Stakes and Birdman in the Underwood Stakes at Caulfield, expressed no second thoughts about choosing the King Charles III Stakes over the Group 1 $20 million The Everest (1200m) on the same day.

"I'm happy and comfortable with the decision (to go to the King Charles III Stakes)," Waller said.

"I don't have second thoughts, once we make a decision as a group, the ownership, jockey, my team, we run with it.

"I hope it is a great contest and if something beats Ka Ying Rising, good luck to them."

Waller's stable secured a quinella in the Seven Sunrise Stakes with Aeliana finishing strongly for second.

"That was just as satisfying, if not more satisfying," Waller remarked.

"There was nothing wrong with her first up run, Nash got off her last start and said she is going great but the way the race was run, she just couldn't get into it.

"It was good to see her acquit herself well today. If she had run third or fourth I would have said good run but to see her push through the last 50m was great."

Autumn Glow will not race again until the King Charles III Stakes, while Aeliana is slated to compete next in the Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) at Flemington on October 3.

Ceolwulf, Idle Flyer, and Gringotts showed competitive form and could potentially clash again on October 3 in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at Royal Randwick.

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