Premier jockey James McDonald hopes he can one day rank unbeaten sensation Autumn Glow as “one of the best” he has ridden.
After seven starts, and only one at group 1 level, it’s more about what is to come for the four-year-old. And what McDonald sees coming can be summed up by his actions as much as his praise of the Chris Waller-trained star.
James McDonald wins the Tea Rose Stakes with Autumn Glow.Credit: Getty Images
McDonald will ride in the $10 million Golden Eagle, instead of the rich and revered VRC Derby program at Flemington, for the first time since the race’s inaugural running in 2019, when he finished fifth on favourite Arcadia Queen.
The 33-year-old, ranked the world’s best jockey, will partner race favourite Autumn Glow in the Golden Eagle and also Lady Shenandoah ($5 TAB), another Waller-prepared star four-year-old mare, in the $3 million Russell Balding Stakes (1300m) at Randwick.
“They are two good horses in two good races, so, yeah, I’d like to stick with Lady, and I’d like to stick with Autumn Glow,” McDonald said.
McDonald is back aboard Autumn Glow after missing the ride on her in the Epsom Handicap to partner Via Sistina in the Turnbull Stakes at Flemington earlier this month. Fresh from his successful Cox Plate defence last Saturday with eight-year-old Via Sistina, he was keen to get back with her heir apparent.
James McDonald at Rosehill earlier this month.Credit: Steven Siewert
“I’m hoping she can be one of the best. That’s what I’m hoping for,” he said of Autumn Glow. “Her record speaks for itself. She’s beautiful. You couldn’t ask for a nicer ride. She’s got gate speed. She’s pretty uncomplicated in that respect. She’s just a pleasure to do anything with.”
Autumn Glow has been favourite for the Golden Eagle, a race for four-year-olds, since markets opened in May, and she firmed into $2 (TAB) on Thursday with Randwick rated a Soft 6 and more showers predicted.
