The Chris Waller-trained powerhouse Autumn Glow stands on the precipice of Australian racing history this Saturday at Randwick, as she attempts to extend her flawless career record to a perfect ten in the 2026 Verry Elleegant Stakes.

Waller’s undefeated queen Autumn Glow is the one to beat again in Saturday’s Verry Elleegant Stakes. Photo: Bradley Photos.

The marquee event of Randwick’s ten-race program, the Group 1 $1 million Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m), features a quality field of nine elite gallopers.

Despite the small numbers, the quality is immense, though markets at Ladbrokes are dominated by the undefeated daughter of The Autumn Sun, who is currently priced as a heavy $1.35 favourite.

Autumn Glow enters her second run of the preparation following a dominant 2.66 length victory in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes a fortnight ago.

That win kept her record unblemished at nine-from-nine and marked her fifth victory at the Randwick track.

Her CV is already glittering, having claimed the Epsom Handicap over this track and distance last spring before securing the $10 million Golden Eagle.

Master of the Mile: Trainer Chris Waller is hunting his 12th victory in this race since 2000, and he holds a massive hand on Saturday with seven of the nine final acceptors hailing from his stable.

While Autumn Glow has naturally drawn comparisons to stable legends Winx and Via Sistina, Waller has several other live chances in the mix.

Among them is the ATC Derby winner Aeliana ($11), who will jump from the inside gate under Zac Lloyd.

Although winless since her classic triumph last April, she showed she is back to her best with a fast-finishing second behind Autumn Glow in the Apollo Stakes.

Lloyd is expected to let her find her feet early before launching a late assault.

The primary challenge to the Waller blockade comes from the Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott camp with the return of the talented entire Sir Delius ($6.50).

Jockey Craig Williams reunites with the son of Frankel, having guided him to a prestigious Group 1 double in the Underwood and Turnbull Stakes during the spring.

With an excellent first-up record (4:2-2-0) and two sharp trials under his belt, he represents the most significant threat to the favourite’s winning streak as they meet for the first time.

Other upset possibilities include the Joseph Pride-trained Ceolwulf ($12) and Waller’s Lindermann ($16).

Ceolwulf, a specialist over the Randwick mile (8:4-0-1), failed to threaten first-up in the Apollo but is expected to improve sharply back at his preferred trip.

Last spring, he proved his elite standing by capturing the King Charles III Stakes and Champions Mile double.

Meanwhile, Lindermann offers significant value for exotics; the Lonhro gelding is a consistent weight-for-age performer who beat Sir Delius over this course in the Chelmsford Stakes last year.

Partnered by Nash Rawiller, he is likely to dictate the tempo from the front and could be difficult to reel in for a podium finish.

The 2026 Verry Elleegant Stakes is scheduled to jump as Race 8 at 4:40 pm (AEDT) this Saturday at Royal Randwick.

2026 Verry Elleegant Field & Barriers

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