VRC Champions Mile Preview

The Chris Waller-trained mare has been dominant throughout her career and faces a strong field featuring All-Star Mile winner Tom Kitten, likely leader Lindermann and 2025 Cox Plate runner-up Buckaroo.

Autumn Glow will be looking to keep her impressive run going and entertain a blockbuster Flemington crowd.

We take a look at some of the main players in the mile set to take on star mare Autumn Glow.

Race 7 – VRC Champions Mile (1600m) – 4:30pm

Group 1. Of $3,000,000.1st $1,800,000, 2nd $540,000, 3rd $270,000, 4th $135,000, 5th $75,000, 6th $60,000, 7th $60,000, 8th $60,000.

Standard Weight for Age. For Three-Years-Old and Upwards. Apprentices cannot claim.

Arrowfield Stud’s super mare heads to Flemington for the first time in what is a real treat for TAB Champions Stakes Day racegoers. Autumn Glow arrives off the back of three dominant wins this spring, following the only defeat of her career in the 2000-metre Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.

With Royal Ascot in her sights, the daughter of The Autumn Sun will be looking to make it 15 wins from 16 career starts and further strengthen her standing as the best miler in the country. She will be mightily short in the betting and should relish the expansive Flemington track, where connections have long wanted to display her talents.

After a moderate start to his spring campaign in Melbourne, Tom Kitten headed to Sydney, where he returned to form with a brave third in the Group 1 Epsom Handicap (1600m) at odds. He then ran Lindermann to a length in the 1800-metre Group 2 Craven Plate.

The Anthony & Sam Freedman-trained galloper returns to Flemington, the scene of his Group 1 All-Star Mile (1600m) success in March this year. He has yet to take on star mare Autumn Glow, but brings valuable Flemington experience and should have his fair share of devoted backers.

Likely leader Lindermann has chased home stablemate Autumn Glow in three starts this year, but can point to finishing second in the Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) behind Sir Delius. On that occasion, Autumn Glow was less effective at 2000 metres for the first time and suffered the first blemish on her previously perfect record.

Lindermann was ridden patiently that day, but has led at his past four outings, including his last-start win over VRC Champions Mile rival Tom Kitten in the Group 2 Craven Plate (1800m). Expect the Lonhro gelding to be up on the speed again after dropping back in trip, giving a great sight while looking over his shoulder for his star stablemate Autumn Glow.

Of the others.....

2025 Cox Plate runner-up Buckaroo sticks to the mile after an improved effort in the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) behind Surfin’ Bird. Sepals disappointed in the Group 3 Alan Brown Stakes (1400m) in Sydney but has trialled well since returning to Victoria. Another Wil ran a big race in the Group 2 Crystal Mile (1600m) and is likely to race on speed.