Racing
Autumn Glow compared to Winx with the release of the Doncaster weights
Autumn Glow has been rated the equal of the mighty Winx at the same stage of their racing careers following the release of the Doncaster Mile weights Tuesday morning.
This is the same handicap given to Winx when the champion mare won the 2016 Doncaster during her 4yo season.
Winx had won three G1 races including the Epsom Handicap and Cox Plate prior to the release of the Doncaster weights a decade ago, but in comparison, Autumn Glow, unbeaten in nine starts, has only one G1 win to her credit (Epsom).
"It's a great compliment to be rated alongside a mare such as Winx, but 56.5kg is a considerable impost," owner John Messara said.
"We will have to consider all our options now."
Autumn Glow races next in Saturday's $1m G1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) at Randwick and then into the $1m G1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m) at Rosehill on March 21.
TAB Fixed Odds Spokesman Tim Ryan has Autumn Glow as the $3.50 Doncaster Mile favourite albeit as a doubtful starter.
But Ryan said, "If there was any indication of a change of plans, and Autumn Glow was to be set for the Doncaster, we would shorten her odds to $1.90!"
"She deserves to be that short even with 56.5kg," Ryan said.
The Joe Pride-trained Ceolwulf has been allotted top weight for the Doncaster with 59kg ahead of Gringotts with 58.5kg and Sir Delius with 58kg.
Crack 3yo Autumn Boy, the $8 second favourite, has been given 52kg.
