Chris Waller is likely to resist taking on the colts and geldings in the Golden Rose with rising star Autumn Glow, despite the filly making a seamless transition to Group company with another classy performance at Rosehill.
Instead, the champion trainer is leaning towards keeping her to her own age and sex by targeting the final two races in the Princess Series, the Tea Rose (1400m) and Flight Stakes (1600m).
While the final decision will rest with her owners, John Messara’s Arrowfield Stud and Hermitage Thoroughbreds, Waller believes the fillies’ races are the right fit at this early stage of Autumn Glow’s career.
“It’s only her second start today and taking on the likes of your Storm Boys and the big guns at Group One level, it’s probably a little bit premature,” Waller said of the Golden Rose option.
“Whereas, if we can keep her against her own age and sex, it helps her a little bit.
“It gives us three weeks into the Tea Rose and then hopefully three weeks’ into the Flight Stakes. That’s do-able, but she will tell us what she wants.”
Autumn Glow ($2.05 betting fav) stalked the speed for Kerrin Mcevoy, joining the leaders halfway up the straight before putting them to the sword over the final 200m, scoring by two lengths over Wanaruah ($5) with Snack Bar ($10) grabbing third, another three-quarters of a length away.
In doing so, she became the first filly to win the Up And Coming Stakes (1300m), Waller revealing he only threw in a nomination at the death after a discussion with Messara.
“We floated a few balls in the air and we couldn’t find the perfect race,” Waller said.
“At five minutes to eleven, I nominated her on Monday morning. I scrambled around to see what jockeys were available and (debut-winning jockey) Tyler Schiller already had a ride, so we grabbed Kerrin.”
After having his first race ride on Autumn Glow, McEvoy feels the sky is the limit.
“I think she is pretty good. She has gone a long way in her couple of starts and she just gives you that good horse feel,” McEvoy said.
“She had the right scenario today with a light weight on her back but at her second start, to give me that sort of feel, I’d say she’s got a very high ceiling.”
