Autumn Glow, a mare who has proven herself extensively on the racetrack, is set to encounter a novel experience on the concluding day of the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Throughout her stellar 15-race career, Chris Waller’s notable mare has only ever raced in a clockwise direction, commonly known as ‘the Sydney way’.

However, her next start will be in the Group 1 Champions Mile (1600m) at Flemington, where she will face ‘the Melbourne way’ for the first time, marking her debut run outside of Sydney.

“It is her first time in Victoria but she has done a lot of work left-handed in Sydney,” Waller commented.

“She had a gallop at Flemington on Tuesday morning with James McDonald aboard and he said she got on the right legs at the right time and felt great.

“She pulled up very clean in her wind and with this the final run in her prep I hope she runs well.”

With her 2027 Royal Ascot aspirations now deferred, the mare’s campaign is focused domestically. Waller, despite his thorough planning, acknowledges the inherent unpredictability when introducing a new racing direction.

“You never really know until under race pressure,” Waller said.

“But she is such a professional and everything she does seems to be professional. If she was a person, she takes everything very seriously.

“When game day is on, she is in the zone. Even in her trackwork. She’s quite remarkable.”

Furthermore, Flemington’s forgiving nature is expected to benefit Autumn Glow, offering elements reminiscent of Sydney’s Randwick track.

“I think it is very forgiving, Flemington,” Waller added.

“It is a natural place for horses to race. They get on the left leg on the bend and they change to the right leg in the straight.

“It is a very natural way and Sydney horses tend to adjust well to Flemington better than any other track.”

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