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Autumn Lover ridden by Luke Nolen wins the Frankston Sand Soil & Mini Mix Maiden Plate at Pakenham Synthetic track on August 03, 2026 in Pakenham, Australia. (George Sal/Racing Photos)
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Luke Nolen returns to the mounting yard aboard Autumn Lover after winning the Frankston Sand Soil & Mini Mix Maiden Plate at Pakenham Synthetic track on Monday in Pakenham, Australia. (George Sal/Racing Photos)
Autumn Lover was caught wide through the middle of the field, but Luke Nolen resisted the temptation to rush her from the difficult draw. He kept the mare balanced and close enough to strike when the field turned for home.
Once brought to the outside, Autumn Lover began to build. Marajan was briefly on the scene, but the race soon narrowed to a head-to-head contest with Cosmic Shower.
Cosmic Shower pinned back its ears and came after her. Autumn Lover met the challenge stride for stride.
The pair drove towards the line with very little between them, but Autumn Lover refused to give way and held a narrow advantage where it mattered, winning by a head.
The victory completed a quick-fire double for Luke Nolen and rewarded the measured decision to preserve Autumn Lover’s balance rather than force an early position from the wide gate.
Results like this are never created in the final few strides alone. They reflect the planning of Peter Moody and Katherine Coleman, the daily work of the Moody Racing team, the support of Wylie Dalziel and the patience of an ownership group willing to give their mare every opportunity to perform.
For everyone connected with Autumn Lover, it was a particularly satisfying win. The care behind the scenes gave her the chance to arrive at Pakenham ready, while her determination carried the team the rest of the way.
Cosmic Shower asked the final question. Autumn Lover supplied the answer.
If you’d like to experience the excitement of racehorse ownership and be part of a winning team, explore our current ownership opportunities at dalzielracing.com.
