McDonald’s ‘concern’ rain could give Autumn Glow’s rivals a helping hand

James McDonald believes Saturday’s forecast rain could give Autumn Glow’s rivals a helping hand in the Champions Mile at Flemington, warning that wet conditions could “bring the slow horses to her”.

The world’s best jockey openly admits his excitement about riding some of the best horses in the country at Flemington on Saturday – headlined by Autumn Glow.

If that’s not enough, he has Joliestar in the Champions Sprint and Aeliana in the 2000m Champions Stakes.

Melbourne is set for another cold and wet Champions Day, with up to 9mm of rain forecast alongside cold southerly winds.

Autumn Glow has won on a Heavy 10 before at Randwick in the Group 3 Darley Quality Stakes, but prefers dry, fast ground

“The forecast is very similar to last year’s [Champions Day] forecast, and that was miserable. It was a horrible day racing,” he said on Friday.

“To answer your question, I’d prefer faster ground for her, that’s for sure.

“She’s just so good on quick ground. All the weather does when it rains is bring the slow horses to her. That is a concern. But she is adaptable. She’s won on a Heavy 10 before, so look, she can get through it but it’s definitely an advantage for the others if it is slower.”

McDonald has won four races this Cup Carnival across the three days so far, including two Group 1s.

Add in trackwork, and it’s been a big week – but the 34-year-old said the hype of the carnival ensures any fatigue is overcome.

“When you’ve got a horse like Aeliana and Autumn Glow and Joliestar, it’s pretty easy to spring out of bed,” he said.

“And I knew my Derby Day was a good day for me on my book of rides.

“And then my last day, come Champions Day, looked a solid book of rides as well. The focus has been pretty straightforward.

“Obviously, in between we had the Melbourne Cup. It’s always a fantastic build-up, but we didn’t get much luck there. And Oaks Day, we ran a gallant third. So it’s just such a special week to be a part of.

“The VRC do just a marvellous job at presenting a great spectacle for everyone. The track’s been magnificent obviously, headed by Liam [O’Keeffe] there, and hopefully the rain stays away and we get a good day’s racing on Saturday.”

Joliestar is attempting revenge on Everest winner Tempted in the Champions Sprint over 1200m.

McDonald is hoping Joliestar’s love of the straight track will prove decisive.

“We can hope we can turn the tables, but you never know,” he said.

“It’s a horse race. A few favourites went down yesterday, so we’re hoping Tempted is one of them on Saturday.”

McDonald revealed he also has another reason to celebrate regardless of whether he rides winners on Saturday.

“I’ll be on the first flight out [back to Sydney],” he said.

“We’ll be celebrating my daughter’s birthday tomorrow.”