Following this weekend’s great Super Saturday day of racing, I couldn’t help but get excited for the titanic weight for age match-up between It’s A Dundeel and Fiorente in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
This race won’t just be for the $2.4 million that is on offer – it will probably also decide which horse will be crowned Australia’s horse of the year.
The two punters’ favourites, however, may have a third contender in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes following Boban being reunited with jockey Glyn Schofield.
Boban won an epic duel with It’s A Dundeel on Saturday, and Schofield is now undefeated in the six rides he has had on Boban.
Chris Waller, Boban’s trainer, was quick to praise his jockey after the win.
“I don’t think Boban’s first two runs were all that bad but I was aware of the criticism,” Waller said on Saturday.
“You hear all the criticism of the horse and you second guess yourself and in those early days it was hard, but now I can back myself and we didn’t change anything with him.
“The difference was Glyn. He has confidence in Boban and brings out the best in the horse.
“Some jockeys just click with certain horses.”
Waller was upset to hear the comments of Nash Rawiller, who said Boban was disappointing following his two runs prior to the Chipping Norton. All that was forgotten, however, when Rawiller was one of the first to congratulate Waller following the win.
“You’re a genius,” Rawiller said.
Waller has said that the main aim for Boban is the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, where he will meet Fiorente and It’s a Dundeel. This means that Boban won’t race in the Doncaster, as he won’t have enough time to back up for the QE Stakes.
It’s A Dundeel’s trainer Murray Baker offered no excuses for his horse’s defeat.
“We were beaten by a better horse today,” Baker said. “But there is improvement in our horse – there is no substitute for race fitness.”
One thing is for sure – when these three meet in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, it will be one of the most anticipated races of Sydney’s autumn racing carnival.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I very much agree with this and it was something that the guys were talking about before. The reason this will be such a good race is that it will very much be every horse's grand final so to speak for the Autumn carnival.
Andrew Moonee
Guest
Last year's Cox Plate was a shambles - Atlantic Jewel broke down, IAD shouldn't have run and Fiorente was just tuning up for the Cup - and the 3YO stole it with a good ride and no weight. Would Fiorente have won if it was his grand final - absolutely!! Hopefully the crap Sydney Autumn weather doesn't ruin the best race of the championships...
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Yeah sorry Harada, Happy Trails is done for now!
Justin Cinque
Expert
http://m.theaustralian.com.au/sport/turf-thoroughbreds/happy-trails-ruled-out-for-spring-and-next-autumn/story-fnajufri-1226749986445
Justin Cinque
Expert
Gawwn
Haradasun
Guest
Happy trails?
Luke Andrews
Guest
Everyone has some ground to make up on Fiorente atm. Another possible line on them is the Epsom. Boban only grabbed Strema on the line by a nose. She would meet him much better at the weights in the QE. Although I have doubts about them winning the QE, they would be competitive. But I think that entire group of them are up to the Doncaster if they run.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
It would be interesting to see whether or not weather will play a part in the race this year, I'm hoping the rain doesn't play a part although if it does that would bring some top runners back towards the field. I agree on Carlton House, will be much better for the run and I'm keen to see how he goes next start. As for the mares it will be interesting to see how they progress over the next few weeks, still reckon they have to make up some ground. Particularly on a horse like Fiorente.
Luke Andrews
Guest
Massive fan of Solicit, and she could make her presence felt. If she were to win the Vinery the connections would have to have a look. But if she didn't they will probably head to the Oaks and chase the easier blacktype. That is so vital to the future of these fillies.
Luke Andrews
Guest
The ability to handle the wet is a major advantage in the autumn as it often gets wet in Sydney at this time of year, so it is a concern if a horse doesn't handle it. I think we will get a better picture of where Carlton House fits in after his next start, I thought he was a good run for a horse who had so little racing under his belt in the last 2 years. He is coming off a base of very low residual fitness. I think the Doncaster will come down to whether one of these progressive types fully deliver, or if the top mares are good enough to beat them. Saturday will give us some idea of where the mares fit in the grand scheme of things. So far a horse like Appearance has shown the are up to the boys. Underestimate herself, Streama, Red Tracer and even Catkins at your own peril. They are serious racehorses with the ability to be ultra competitive at WFA.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I'm keen to see how Solicit goes we know as you said from her Spring form that she can run out the 2500m, if she continues her good prep she should be right up there. Not convinced on El Roca either and Guelph probably won't race in this. It's going to be interesting to see if any of these horses you have mentioned Alfred can hit their peak at the right time of the carnival, if they don't then I think they will struggle against the big 3 in the race.
Alfred Chan
Expert
It's still a long way out but I think over the next few weeks, we'll see a few horses throw themselves into the mix. I'm probably most keen to see if any of the three-year-olds can step up to WFA class rather than taking the easy route of the ATC Derby. I've just had a look to see which three-year-olds are nominated for the QE Stakes and Guelph is the highest on the market but based on what we've seen of her last two runs, the Doncaster is looking more realistic. El Roca is next fancied but I'm not convinced he can run out the 2000m. Savvy Nature is one worth looking out for if she can reproduce her early spring form but the one I'm probably most keen on right now is Solicit. We saw her run out 2500m in the Oaks and she looks a much better horse this preparation. If she keeps improving, I would love to see them take a shot at the QE Stakes rather than the ATC Oaks.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
That's my only quiery is their firepower. I have no doubt that some of the horses we will see particularly Equador and Terravista are a long way from where they can be potentially. Carlton House is not a bad horse, he struggled on a bogged track at Randwick last start. Maybe Shamus? I guess it all depends where their trainers are aiming them this Autumn, I'm sure the picture will be a lot clearer in a few weeks.
Luke Andrews
Guest
Some of the 4yr olds being aimed at the Doncaster have the potential to step up to top liner status. The question at this stage is just how much improvement they have in them. A horse like Ecuador is a long way from finding his limit yet, not saying he will reach the top but there certainly is potential. Can you think of any of the other horses on the way up? Terravista looked good on the weekend. But as you say their firepower isn't there, yet.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I am excited for this Autumn carnival and the stars we could uncover throughout the carnival. I don't think any of these horses though will have the firepower to beat the main three and will just be making up the field. I agree with you on the Guineas point as well Luke.
Luke Andrews
Guest
With over a month of carnival racing left, it is highly likely something else will emerge as a contender. The winner of the Doncaster, Rosehill Guineas, and ATC Derby are likely to have support in the QE. In terms of distance and timing, the Rosehill Guineas is going to be a great lead up. Add to this the possibility of a dominant mare emerging over the carnival and this race won't lack depth. Fiorente, Boban and IADD are the obvious long range contenders but the Autumn carnival will provide it's own stars to add to the intrigue of this wonderful race.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I meant to write he apologies, just realised my iPad automatically corrects he to she? Weird.
Aransan
Guest
She is a he.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
I certainly agree that this race is looking much better than the Cox Plate. You have Australia's top 2 horses going head-to-head and to add to that mix Boban it really makes it a cracking field. Outside of the 3 maybe Hawkspur could do some damage but I don't think it can win, I believe Fiorente will be a much better horse than what she was in the Spring. Her run on the weekend was majestic, she simply grinds down her opponents with such ease. The question I have to ask is which Hawkspur will we see?
Justin Cinque
Expert
I agree. And it's good for Australian racing. We need a middle distance WFA race to be the focus of a big carnival, especially in this day and age when so many horses are being purchased from overseas with a view to the Cups. As you say Cam, the Cups have made the Cox Plate lose some of its lustre.