Autumn Glow, Sheza Alibi set for Winx Stakes clash

Autumn Glow and Sheza Alibi, two bona fide stars of Australian racing, will headline a high-quality field for Saturday’s Group 1 Winx Stakes (1400m) at Randwick.

The mares have drawn inside gates, with Sheza Alibi to start from barrier one and Autumn Glow from three.

Autumn Glow, who hasn’t raced since tasting defeat for the first time in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick in April, heads Chris Waller’s eight-strong team as the champion trainer attempts to win the race for a 10th time and equal the training record of the legendary Tommy Smith.

Waller’s other runners are Aeliana, Lindermann, Beiwacht, Autumn Boy, Fangirl, Lady Shenandoah and Barnavara, giving the trainer a formidable hand in the 14-horse field.

Sheza Alibi is resuming off a similar break to Autumn Glow after her stunning Doncaster Mile at Randwick completed an unblemished autumn campaign

Early betting has Autumn Glow as the $1.90 favourite with Sheza Alibi at $2.80.

Godolphin star Beiwacht, a last-start Group 1 winner over the Winx when taking out the All Aged Stakes in April, is on the third line of betting as a $19 chance.