Everest or Mile? Autumn Glow’s first spring run locked in

John Messara and Chris Waller have locked in only one run for Autumn Glow in the spring to leave options open to either run in The Everest or explore races at a mile.

There have been a number offers of an Everest slot to Messara and the ownership group, but they want to see how she returns in the Winx Stakes in August.

“We thought about just going to The Everest but Chris felt running in the Winx will keeps our options open,” Messara said.

“She can go in a couple of directions from there and The Everest is still on the table. We won’t have to rush a decision or lock it in just yet.

“We are fairly sure we will be able to get a slot.”

ABSOLUTELY FLAWLESS. AUTUMN GLOW 🌟

11 from 11. A Group One treble for McDonald and Waller. Champions all round.@mcacajamez @cwallerracing pic.twitter.com/dhDej2a3Pw

— 7HorseRacing 🐎 (@7horseracing) March 21, 2026

If Autumn Glow was to run in The Everest, it would set up a clash of Hong Kong superstar Ka Ying Rising and arguably Australia’s best horse.

Waller made it clear after Autumn Glow was beaten for the first time in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes that she wouldn’t return to the 2000m, which counts out a Cox Plate.

The Winx Stakes is Waller’s preferred option for spring’s return for his topliners.

Autumn Glow could look towards a mile campaign after it with the King Charles III Stakes on Everest Day and Champions Mile at Flemington as targets.

If she went The Everest route, it would most likely be through The Shorts or maybe a Sheraco Stakes.

Messara remains interested in an international campaign in 2027 at Royal Ascot, and spring would shape what races she would contest.