Autumn Glow has claimed her first Group 1 victory in the Epsom Handicap at Randwick.
Top jockey Kerrin Mcevoy isn't prone to outlandish claims but he has been moved to declare Autumn Glow a potential champion after partnering the unbeaten mare to her first Group One win in the Epsom Handicap at Randwick.
Autumn Glow ($1.75 fav) had several hurdles to overcome on Saturday with a wide draw, 54-1/2kg handicap and stepping up to 1600-metres for the first time but handled all with aplomb to run out a 1-1/4 length winner over Fully Lit ($31).
Making her victory all the more meritorious was the fact she lost a shoe mid-race, which McEvoy said may have contributed to her seemingly hitting a 'flat' spot on the home turn.
"She pulled a shoe so I don't know if that is part of the reason," McEvoy said.
"For one hundred metres or so I was a bit worried but then she was good. She changed on to her 'fresh' leg on straightening and away she went.
"She is a champion in the making, I think.
"I don't like calling them champions too early but she has gone to a new level today."
Autumn Glow remains unbeaten after seven starts, although trainer Chris Waller says he is less concerned about protecting her record and all about winning more majors.
He also admitted that her win revived fond memories of the same afternoon 10 years ago when Winx also claimed the Epsom Handicap as a four-year-old mare, not that he was making any comparisons.
"Yes it has. But there's a long way to go," Waller said.
"We will just place her right and probably one more run is enough for this prep. It's all about Group Ones for me.
"I would say it's the Golden Eagle but if it's not the Golden Eagle it will be the Empire Rose (Stakes). They're both great races and they mean a lot to me."
Fully Lit led the Epsom field and fought gamely to hold down second with Pericles running his usual honest race another half-head away third.
Josh Parr felt Pericles cost himself a closer finished when he bungled the start.
"He just stumbled as the gate opened. Just tried to anticipate the start too much," Parr said.
"It allowed Autumn Glow and Pier to have the wood on us early. A very good effort."
Last year's winner Ceolwulf finished sixth, jockey Chad Schofield saying he might have been feeling the firm tracks.
"The pace did come out of the race mid-race," Schofield said.
"We got into the clear very nicely. I felt like he just wants a bit of give in the track. He was good though. He was genuine."
