Autumn Glow's spring program locked in
The spring path for superstar mare Autumn Glow has been confirmed following a meeting between her ownership group, trainer Chris Waller and jockey James McDonald.
Autumn Glow will have her next start in the Group 2 7 Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on September 19 before tackling the Group 1 King Charles III Stakes (1600m) at Randwick on October 17.
All going well, her campaign will then conclude at Flemington during Melbourne Cup Week, with her final race yet to be determined.
The program confirms connections have resisted the temptation of an Everest clash with Ka Ying Rising, instead keeping Autumn Glow at the mile for her major Sydney target — the call Dan O'Sullivan urged them to make earlier this week.
In'kantosstar makes it two straight
In'kantosstar, the younger brother of Group 1 star Jimmysstar, continued his promising start to racing with another comfortable victory at Geelong on Friday.
Having just his third start, the Ciaron Maher-trained four-year-old was sent out a $2.15 favourite in the BM62 over 1347m and gave Ethan Brown an easy ride, scoring by 1.75 lengths.
Brown will be hoping it was a good omen ahead of Saturday's Memsie Stakes meeting at Caulfield.
The Metropolitan loses Group 1 status
One of Australia's most historic staying races, The Metropolitan, has been stripped of its Group 1 status with immediate effect.
First run in 1863, the 2400m Randwick feature has been downgraded to Group 2 following a decision by international racing authorities.
The change comes just weeks before this year's running on Epsom Handicap Day, October 3, with trainers already preparing their stayers for the race.
Autumn Glow crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year
The accolades continue for Autumn Glow, who has been crowned Australian Racehorse of the Year for the 2025-26 season at Racing's Night of Champions at Royal Randwick.
The Chris Waller-trained superstar received 110 votes, comfortably defeating Caulfield-Melbourne Cup winner Half Yours (69) and Randwick Guineas-Doncaster winner Sheza Alibi (67).
Autumn Glow won her first 11 starts and her remarkable season included three Group 1 victories and success in the $10 million Golden Eagle.
Waller collects 15th Bart Cummings Medal
The extraordinary dominance of Chris Waller continued at Racing's Night of Champions, with the champion trainer collecting his 15th Bart Cummings Medal.
Waller finished the season with 148 points, comfortably ahead of champion jockey James McDonald (91) and Zac Lloyd (79).
He also collected the TJ Smith Award after securing the Sydney Trainers' Premiership for an incredible 16th consecutive season.
Ka Ying Rising set for another Sha Tin trial
The world's highest-rated racehorse Ka Ying Rising will continue his build-up towards his return to racing with another barrier trial at Sha Tin on Sunday.
The Hong Kong superstar is expected to step out on the turf at approximately 6pm HKT, ahead of his planned first-up appearance in the Group 3 Chief Executive's Cup on September 6.
Autumn Glow v Sheza Alibi — bring on round two
The first clash between Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi delivered in the Winx Stakes, and anticipation is already building for the next chapter of their rivalry.
Channel 7 has put together a great hype reel looking back at round one and ahead to what could come next.
St Gotthard cruises as alarm bells ring for The Next Episode
Exciting Chris Waller-trained colt St Gotthard produced an impressive Randwick trial on Friday, cruising away under James McDonald to defeat Asgarda, with King Of Roseau third.
Further back, The Next Episode produced another plain trial. Race day will provide the ultimate test, but there are now some concerns surrounding a colt who was once equal favourite for the Group 1 Coolmore Stud Stakes.
Sir Delius wins again at the trials
Queen Elizabeth Stakes winner Sir Delius continued his excellent spring preparation with another trial victory at Randwick on Friday.
Craig Williams guided the Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott-trained entire home over 1200m, defeating Mister Rizz and Starzintheireyes.
It was another positive step for one of the leading contenders heading towards the major spring weight-for-age races.
RWWA CEO Ian Edwards to step down
Racing and Wagering Western Australia CEO Ian Edwards has advised the board of his decision to step down from the role.
Edwards will remain with RWWA until November 13 to assist with a smooth transition before leaving the organisation.
Editorial at The Daily Punt, covering Australian racing and sport with an eye for where the value sits.
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