Racing
Autumn Glow following proven path to Eagle
Autumn Glow is set to add some star power to a Randwick barrier trial session.
Undefeated mare Autumn Glow will have a tick over barrier trial at Randwick in preparation for her Golden Eagle assault as Chris Waller mirrors the template he used successfully with Kolding.
The latter captured the 2019 Epsom Handicap-Golden Eagle double with just a trial in between and Waller is using the same build-up for Autumn Glow, who already has the first leg in the bag.
"Kolding won both and didn't race in between so it's a very similar path to that," Waller's assistant trainer Charlie Duckworth said.
"I think we will put in a nomination for the Empire Rose (Stakes) as well as the Golden Eagle but the preference is the Golden Eagle.
"She has ticked off the Group One item now so we're expecting a pleasing trial on Monday."
Waller is renowned for repeating formulas that have worked for him in the past, so it is no surprise he is replicating Kolding's pattern with Autumn Glow.
The outstanding mare remains unbeaten after seven starts, claiming her maiden Group 1 crown last start in the Epsom Handicap on October 4 and Duckworth says she has bounced out of that success.
"She galloped on Thursday on the course proper and she hasn't missed a beat," he said.
"She has come through the Epsom in great order so it's full steam ahead for the trial."
Autumn Glow will step out in the second heat over 1050m at Randwick on Monday with Epsom Handicap runner-up Fully Lit also scheduled to line up.
She is an early $2.50 favourite for the Golden Eagle (1500m) on November 1, ahead of Japanese raider Panja Tower ($4.50).
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