Wide barrier draw builds hope for rivals of Epsom favourite

1 week ago 4

By Craig Kerry

September 30, 2025 — 5.00pm

Annabel Archibald would love to be training the “gorgeous” Autumn Glow in the group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) on Saturday at Randwick - even with the worst possible barrier draw.

Archibald, though, hopes the outside gate for the unbeaten Chris Waller-trained mare makes the $1.5 million race “a little bit more open”.

Kerrin McEvoy rides Autumn Glow to victory last start in the Theo Marks Stakes. McEvoy will be aboard again on Saturday in the Epsom Handicap.

The four-year-old gets her first chance at group 1 glory after a brilliant but interrupted six-start career. Carrying 54.5 kilograms, she drifted from $1.80 to $1.90 (Sportsbet) after drawing 14 in a field six short of its maximum, undoubtedly because of her presence.

Archibald, who won the 2022 edition with Top Ranked, has Depth Of Character ($51) in the Epsom, where he has the 50kg minimum and is coming off a strong finish for third in the group 3 Bill Ritchie Handicap (1400m).

“He loves the mile, he was terrific in the Bill Ritchie, obviously drops three kilos here, lightweight chance,” said Archibald, who trains in partnership with husband, Rob.

“The favourite looks hard to beat, but she’s drawn the outside gate, which makes it a little bit more interesting, maybe a little bit more open. It’s always a race where luck in running comes into it.

“Just to the eye, [Autumn Glow] looks a gorgeous, gorgeous horse. I’d love to train her. She’s the one we’ve all got to beat, but, yeah, anything can happen with barriers.”

New Zealand Derby winner Willydoit, which drew two, was second-elect at $7.50. Tramway Stakes victor Pericles ($8.50) and defending champion Ceolwulf ($9) were next best after drawing five and nine, respectively.

In the $750,000 group 1 Metropolitan (2400m), a far more open affair, the Archibalds have Don Diego De Vega ($26) from gate 12. Alysha Collett rides at the limit of 50kg, which half of the 18-horse field will carry. A temperature early in his preparation delayed Don Diego De Vega’s return, which came with a sixth in the Newcastle Cup (2300m).

“He was terrific in the Newcastle Cup, in terms of his fitness,” she said.

Don Diego De Vega winning at Randwick in 2024.

“He was silly in the gates and bounded up, totally missed the start, and then it was a really sedate tempo, so it was hard to ever get into the race, but he ran home in good sectionals.”

Archibald’s best group 1 chance on the card comes in the Flight Stakes (1600m) with Tupakara ($5.50), which copped the outside gate, 11. She also has Next Jen ($35) in the fillies race headlined by Michael Freedman-trained star Apocalyptic ($1.90, gate seven).

Meanwhile, the Australian Turf Club was on Tuesday granted an extension until October 24 to respond to a show-cause notice from Racing NSW.

The governing body issued the notice on September 19, giving the ATC two weeks to show why an administrator should not replace the board because of concerns over the club’s financial position and corporate governance. The extension was granted to allow the ATC to focus on delivering the Everest spring carnival.

ATC chairman Tim Hale welcomed the decision.

“We had asked for this extension until after TAB Everest Day, and we are very pleased this has been granted,” Hale said.

“It allows ATC further time to respond in more detail to Racing NSW’s notice, which we will do with diligence and integrity.

“Importantly, our teams can focus on delivering a world-class racing carnival and raceday experience for our members and customers at the peak of spring.”

Meanwhile, So You Pence took the last slot in the $2 million Kosciuszko on Tuesday, giving trainer Matt Dale three runners in the October 18 race.