The Rosehill crowd rose as one when Autumn Glow swept past the post, unbeaten streak intact, her trainer Chris Waller smiling quietly while Silverdale’s Steve Grant admitted he was lost for words. The 4-year-old mare, kissed into the mounting yard earlier by her team, had just stretched her record to six-from-six in the G2 Theo Marks Stakes, confirming what many in the stands already believed – she is something out of the ordinary.
A Star Who May Yet Go Undefeated
Bred to be brilliant and bought for $1.8 million at the 2023 Easter Yearling Sale, Autumn Glow (The Autumn Sun) has so far lived up to every penny of expectation. Saturday’s effortless display left bookmakers scrambling, Ladbrokes installing her a firm $1.80 favourite for next month’s G1 Epsom Handicap at Randwick.
“She’s very special – and only going to get better,” Grant said, recalling how even as a filly at Silverdale she carried herself like a thinker, calm and professional. “I’m thrilled for John Messara, Arrowfield and Hermitage. This is why we do it.”
Waller, who has expertly placed her, will give Autumn Glow her first shot at Group 1 company in the Epsom on October 4, with the Golden Eagle beyond that. Few now doubt she could go through spring unbeaten.
Inglis Grads Dominate Rosehill Card
Autumn Glow’s brilliance set the tone on a day dominated by Inglis graduates. Earlier, Sixties (Flying Artie) stamped himself a colt on the rise, making amends for a luckless Up And Coming Stakes run by leading all the way in the G3 Ming Dynasty Quality.
Bought for $350,000 from Vinery Stud by Aramco Racing, Sixties is lightly raced but already looks every inch a spring carnival contender.
Flemington Fireworks: Vinrock and My Gladiola Step Up
Down at Flemington, Inglis graduates landed four stakes wins. None more eye-catching than Vinrock (I Am Invincible), the unbeaten juvenile who returned to claim the Listed Exford Plate in commanding style. Trainer Matt Laurie, who secured him for $300,000 with Wilannah Park, has the G1 Caulfield Guineas firmly in his sights.
Meanwhile, filly My Gladiola (I Am Invincible) confirmed her class in the Listed Cap D’Antibes Stakes, trainer John McArdle already eyeing the Coolmore Stud Stakes in November. “She’s got improvement still to come,” McArdle said. “She’s a proper filly.”
Revelare Books Melbourne Cup Ticket
The staying ranks also saw a shake-up as Revelare (So You Think) booked his spot in the G1 Melbourne Cup with a powerful win in the G3 Archer Stakes. Trained by Robert Hickmott and bred by Kevin and Colleen Bamford, the lightly raced stayer has now won eight of 11 and firmed to $17 in Cup.
“It was an easy watch,” Hickmott smiled. “There’s still more to come.”
Arkansaw Kid and Watchme Win Add to the Tally
Backed by a Blake Shinn ride, Arkansaw Kid (Harry Angel) lifted the G2 Bobbie Lewis Quality and may head to the Rupert Clarke Stakes next weekend. In Adelaide, Watchme Win (Harry Angel) resumed with Listed Wylie Handicap honours, giving Andrew Gluyas the perfect springboard for his preparation.
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