Autumn Glow's flawless Sydney spring culminates in King Charles triumph

Autumn Glow smoothly assumed the lead in the prestigious Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes (1600m) as the field turned for home, just as Ceolwulf began to mount a challenge.

Trainer Chris Waller reportedly turned to jockey Darren Beadman and inquired, "Are we in trouble?" Beadman's swift reply was, "No!"

Beadman's assurance proved accurate, as Autumn Glow decisively repelled Ceolwulf's effort, winning with her characteristic commanding efficiency at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

The mare exhibits a striking arrogance in her races, a reflection of her profound superiority, and seeing her in full flight is a captivating sight in the racing world.

When asked about her remarkable qualities, Waller elaborated, "She is very athletic, she has a great mind and natural brilliance. I think natural brilliance outweighs almost everything else because it is a rare gift."

Autumn Glow's jockey, James McDonald, was similarly impressed and highlighted her attributes as "Tractability, sustained speed and her turn of foot!"

McDonald further commented, "I don't think there is a horse that has run past her. She couldn't catch Sir Delius (in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes last April). Obviously, Ceolwulf is a very good competitor and with blinkers on he had every chance today but still couldn't beat her. She loves her racing, too. When the pace quickened she loved it, she really picks up and wants me to let her go. But she also knows when it is time to win the race. She's an incredible horse, a great athlete."

The heavily backed favourite, Autumn Glow ($1.26), extended her advantage in the straight, crossing the line two-and-a-half lengths clear of Ceolwulf ($4.80). The pair put a significant margin of over seven lengths on the early pace-setter, Just Folk ($41).

Her record now stands at an impressive 14 wins from 15 starts, including her fifth Group 1 victory, and her career earnings have surpassed the $12.8 million mark.

Militarize's rider, Hong Kong's champion jockey Zac Purton, who finished at the rear of the five-runner field, offered a glowing assessment: "The best part of that race was watching Autumn Glow. She is a star."

Waller, who achieved his tenth King Charles III Stakes success with Autumn Glow, lauded the mare as the "absolute professional".

"We asked her to do a bit more work during the week expecting a wet track and more speed in the race,'' Waller stated. "But she took it all in her stride and came out and did that today. In modern day racing we have seen quite a few times this spring with tearaway leaders so we have to have them a little bit fitter. But it doesn't matter how you train her, we just keep it simple and she trains herself. It has been an honour to be working with some great horses like her."

Autumn Glow's commanding performance made it easy to forget the high calibre of the Group 1 race, especially with Ceolwulf aiming to secure his third consecutive King Charles III Stakes title.

"She lobbed into a good spot then I clicked her up at the 600m,'' McDonald explained. "I wanted to open her up today because she hasn't had a lung buster for a few starts. "I opened her up and she got to the line. I was waiting for Ceolwulf with his blinkers on, he never came."

Autumn Glow, the current Horse of the Year, has maintained an unblemished record in her three Sydney starts this spring, clinching the Group 1 Winx Stakes, Group 2 Seven Sunrise Stakes, and the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes with ease. Discussions are underway regarding her potential participation in one more race, the Group 1 Champions Mile at Flemington on November 7.

"We will have a chat with Mr Messara and Hermitage and see what they want to do,'' Waller commented. "But we also want to make sure she has a long career so we want to look after her. She will go to the paddock for three days or so and we will enjoy this win."

Despite a confident ride from Chad Schofield, who had recently won the Everest on Tempted, Autumn Glow proved too strong for Ceolwulf.

"I was really proud of him,'' Schofield admitted. "He was very good there. "I followed her everywhere she went, she quickened very well but so did we. "She was always holding a good margin on us but she wasn't getting away from us. I looked after him late in case they want to go next week (to the Cox Plate)."

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