![James McDonald onboard Autumn Glow [Bradley Photos]](https://betsy.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/2272603.jpg)
A Tuesday meeting in the Arrowfield Stud’s hospitality area at the Inglis Sales complex, will decide the carnival futures for Ranvet Stakes winner Aeliana, Lady Shenandoah and unbeaten superstar Autumn Glow.
John Messara and Chris Waller will take on the advice of jockey James McDonald as to where Autumn Glow will appear next.
There are three options but the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, which Messara has won with It’s A Dundeel and Waller with Winx, appears the most obvious choice.
While a Doncaster is tempting with 56.5kg, giving 7-1/2 kilos to star filly Sheza Alibi is more risky than going against weight-for-age company in a smaller field with the unknown being 2000m.
McDonald is convinced Autumn Glow’s laidback nature will make 2000m her optimum trip, and she will still be able to use her stunning acceleration.
“I’m sick of bloody pointing where she goes,” McDonald said.
“Put it this way, I wouldn’t be shying away from any horse in the country.”
“It doesn’t matter what is in the race. She’s just got an amazing sustained speed, it’s quite incredible what we’re witnessing.”
“She’s the jockey’s dream – you get nervous on horses, certain horses throughout your life, and she’s one you don’t.”
Where Autumn Glow goes will lean into the decision of Aeliana and Lady Shenandoah.
The decision will be made on Tuesday to allow Aeliana to change course and back up in the Tancred Stakes and leave the Queen Of The Turf to Lady Shenandoah, who is also flying at the moment.
The 2400m holds no fears for Aeliana after she trounced the boys in the Australian Derby last year, and it makes little sense for Waller to clash his two best mares.
“The distance is no problem. A seven-day back-up isn’t ideal,” Waller said of the prospects of seeing Aeliana in the Tancred on Saturday.
Betting markets are already reflecting the choice with Aeliana a $2.30 favourite for the Tancred, Lady Shenandoah at $3 in the Queen Of The Turf and Autumn Glow at $1.80 in the Queen Elizabeth after she was $3.50 before her George Ryder Stakes win on Saturday.
