Owner John Messara and trainer Chris Waller announced on Friday the chosen spring carnival target for Autumn Glow, ending months of deliberation.
Autumn Glow, recently crowned Australian Horse of the Year at the Racing Night of Champions ceremony in Sydney on Thursday night, had garnered significant interest from slot-holders for the Group 1 $20 million The Everest (1200m) at Royal Randwick on October 17.
However, the Group 1 $5 million King Charles III Stakes, contested over the renowned Royal Randwick mile (1600m) where Autumn Glow has proven her capability, is scheduled for the same date.
Following a meeting on Thursday involving Messara, Waller, and jockey James McDonald, it was decided that the King Charles III Stakes is the most suitable race for Autumn Glow.
Messara communicated to Racing And Sports that the challenge of facing Hong Kong’s world champion sprinter Ka Ying Rising in The Everest was “very tempting”.
“We looked closely at The Everest and there was a part of me that wanted to try and beat Ka Ying Rising,” Messara said.
“But the reality is Ka Ying Rising is as good as any sprinter I’ve ever seen and 1200m is his best distance.
“We all feel Autumn Glow is at her best between 1400m and 1600m so it was agreed we should go for the King Charles.”
Autumn Glow is the current $1.60 TAB Fixed Odds favourite for the King Charles, with Sheza Alibi at $2.80, and the two-time reigning champion Ceolwulf is on the third line of betting at $8, alongside Pride Of Jenni.
Autumn Glow’s probable lead-up to the King Charles will be the Group 2 $1 million 7 Stakes (1600m) at Royal Randwick on September 19.
Messara also expressed his keenness for Autumn Glow to compete at Flemington during the Melbourne Cup Carnival, potentially in the Champions Sprint (1200m) or the Champions Mile (1600m) on November 7.
If Autumn Glow is freshened for the sprint, it would provide the mare with an opportunity to race down the Flemington straight course, possibly setting her up for a Royal Ascot campaign next June.
The decision by Autumn Glow to bypass The Everest is expected to influence betting markets. Ka Ying Rising, the dominant $1.50 favourite to win back-to-back editions of the world’s richest turf race, is likely to see his odds shorten.
Autumn Glow had been the second favourite for The Everest at $5, with Tempted at $9.
With The Everest less than two months away, it is noteworthy that not a single starter has been officially confirmed.
Ka Ying Rising, who trialled impressively last week, is set to be selected for the Hong Kong Jockey Club slot, though this has not yet been officially confirmed.
Check out the latest racing odds for the King Charles III Stakes at your preferred online bookmakers.