Autumn Glow, Sheza Alibi Square Off in Winx Stakes

Anytime is a good time for such things, but at a moment when racing could really use some horses to dominate the headlines, the Aug. 22 Winx Stakes (G1) at Randwick Racecourse looks set to provide a doozy with a likely clash of wonder mares Autumn Glow (AUS) and Sheza Alibi (AUS). Chris Waller's 5-year-old Autumn Glow, who was unbeaten in 11 outings before her last-start third in her first attempt at the 1 1/4-mile distance in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (G1), versus Moody-Coleman's astounding 4-year-old Sheza Alibi, who started out with a couple of losses but has since streaked to five straight wins, the latest in Randwick's Doncaster Handicap (G1) with breathtaking ease. It looks on. Mind you, the Winx shapes up as something more than a two-horse race. The 14-horse field also includes group 1 winners Ceolwulf (NZ), Aeliana (NZ), Autumn Boy (AUS), Beiwacht (AUS), Green Spaces (AUS), Barnavara (IRE), and several more. As a first group 1 of the Australian season it will be a must-watch way to kick off, certainly answering doubts about the 7-furlong Winx Stakes' right to elite status. It's also definitely a fitting vehicle for Autumn Glow to resume, as she looks to atone for that Queen Elizabeth blip at the start of what shapes as her final 12 months of racing, leading to a likely Royal Ascot mission in England and a possible first cover from Dubawi (IRE) whilst there. "It's going to be some sort of race," Autumn Glow's chief owner John Messara told ANZ Bloodstock News. "Certainly the best edition of the Winx Stakes ever, if not one of the best races ever." Both mares seem bursting to race. "James (McDonald) got off after her exhibition gallop between races on Saturday and said she felt as good as she's ever felt, and probably even a little better than she felt in the lead up to previous campaigns," Messara said. "He seems to be very happy. Our trainer says he's got her ready for Saturday. Everyone's very positive." Sheza Alibi won her second of two Pakenham synthetic jump outs last week and completed a sparkling piece of trackwork Aug. 18 with Luke Nolen in the saddle. While Jamie Melham rode her with her 49 kilograms in her 4 1/4-length Doncaster romp, Nolen, who's ridden the mare to three wins at heavier weights, would regain the ride in the Winx. "She's pretty forward, pretty well," co-trainer Peter Moody said in a post on social media. "The horse is in great order, a happy, healthy girl. Hardly a bead of sweat on her. Pleasing work, and also a very pleasing recovery." That was resoundingly seconded by owner Fred Noffke, the Queensland grazier whose AU$10,000 purchase has so far earned him AU$3.7 million. "She looked magnificent today," Noffke told ANZ Tuesday. "She pulled up like she was walking out to the track, not coming back. "Everything just appears to be even better than normal and it's always been pretty great."