Randwick’s grandstand erupted into cheers on Saturday afternoon as Autumn Glow, the unbeaten star mare, delivered yet another breathtaking display of class and courage in the G3 Toy Show Quality. Trained by Chris Waller, the four-year-old sensation made it five wins from five starts, keeping her flawless record intact and sending racing fans into raptures over what could be a glittering spring campaign.
Waller’s Wonder Mare Leaves Rivals Chasing Shadows
It was an emotional moment for trainer Chris Waller, who was seen embracing his stable staff moments after Autumn Glow crossed the line. Purchased for an eye-watering $1.8 million at the 2023 Easter Yearling Sale, the daughter of The Autumn Sun has justified every cent with a career that so far reads like a fairytale.
“She’s just a beautiful specimen,’’ Waller said, visibly proud. “She’s still a lightly raced horse and, over the 1100m, she was in a bit of trouble from the 500m to the 300m, but as you saw, when she came back to the inside and found some fresh air, it was good to see her finish off like that. My gut tells me 1600m will be perfect for her.”
The victory wasn’t just dominant — it was commanding. Autumn Glow surged late to defeat Gangsta Granny and Hi Dubai, completing an Inglis graduates trifecta and solidifying her reputation as one of Australia’s most exciting gallopers.
The Road Ahead: Everest, Epsom, or Golden Eagle?
Waller has hinted at a possible tilt at the G2 Theo Marks Stakes at Rosehill in three weeks, but Autumn Glow’s connections have bigger dreams in sight. The G1 $20 million The Everest, G1 Epsom Handicap, and the G1 $10 million Golden Eagle are all under consideration as potential targets for the mare, depending on how she progresses.
Bred by Newhaven Park and owned in partnership between Arrowfield and Hermitage, Autumn Glow’s stunning rise has turned her into one of the most talked-about racehorses ahead of Sydney’s spring carnival.Savvy Hallie Steals the Spotlight in Silver Shadow Stakes
While Autumn Glow commanded headlines, another star emerged earlier on the Randwick card. Untapped filly Savvy Hallie continued her meteoric rise, graduating from a maiden win to G2 glory in just nine days, claiming the Silver Shadow Stakes with authority.
Trained by Brad Widdup, the three-year-old daughter of Hellbent showed tremendous grit to outclass Within The Law, leading an Inglis graduates quinella. Purchased for $320,000 from the Riverstone Lodge draft at the Classic Yearling Sale, she now boasts an impressive three wins from six starts.
Co-owner Ben Vassallo was all smiles post-race.
“We knew the pedigree well, having raced a close relative, and she was a standout physically at Classic,’’ Vassallo said. “Honestly, I was very confident today, as I felt her form was better than anything else in the race. There are a lot of options ahead, but we’ll just take our time with her.”
Trainer Widdup couldn’t hide his pride either.
“She’s just brilliant, isn’t she? It’s great when they handle a track like this. Brad [Hunt] really deserves a filly like this — it’s very exciting.”
Savvy Hallie is expected to continue her Princess Series campaign in the G2 Furious Stakes at Randwick in two weeks’ time.
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