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And so we come to the feature race of The Championships, the $4-million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m, Group 1, weight-for-age). Join us for live coverage of the big feature with race time at 4:25pm.
In the past, the race was more of an afterthought following a Doncaster campaign or another step on the way to the Brisbane winter carnival. More Joyous (2012) and Road to Rock (2010) both came off terrific Doncaster runs, however these were on tracks rated dead, not heavy like last week.
Pompeii Ruler (2009) and Reliable Man (2013) both won the race second-up off the George Ryder, while My Kingdom of Fife (2011) was also second-up following a win in the Doncaster Prelude at huge odds.
With the major increase in prizemoney, the race has quickly become the focal point of the entire autumn carnival. However, due to the race programming, there is no clear and logical path to this race.
The pace will come from Carlton House. Green Moon has raced handy during preparation for good results, while It’s A Dundeel should sit in a more forward position along with Silent Achiever. The big question mark is Hawkspur, who dominated the Brisbane carnival last year by sitting up on the pace.
We have not seen him race in this fashion since, but I am hoping Waller reverts to these tactics this week.
The Doncaster Mile was dominated by man of the moment Chris Waller and he has backed up four of his horses this week. Sacred Falls finished off strongly last week thanks to a terrific ride from Zac Purton.
He relished the heavy track and should find similar conditions this week, however his only 2000m run was a six length defeat to It’s a Dundeel in last year’s Rosehill Guineas.
Royal Descent was caught wide last week after drawing an outside barrier. She has been set for the race and won’t have any issues with the track or distance. Who could forget her dominant Australian Oaks win last year?
Hawkspur is another horse set for the race and comes off an excellent run in the Doncaster where he settled towards the rear and finished off nicely. He was one of the few horses to make ground in an on-pace dominated Ranvet Stakes and his form ties in nicely around the favourites.
My Kingdom of Fife is ticking along nicely and will appreciate the 2000m, while Toydini and Dear Demi come off lacklustre performances in the Doncaster. The latter will appreciate the step up in trip and a drier track.
Two of the favourites are coming off The BMW at Rosehill, where Silent Achiever franked her win in the Ranvet Stakes. She is racing in career-best form with the blinkers on and handles all conditions.
It’s a Dundeel was no match for the mare last time in, however he has been specifically set for this race and you get the feeling he is peaking for this day.
Carlton House split the pair in the Ranvet with a bold front-running performance. He has been freshened for the race named after his royal owner. Green Moon is also fresh off his second placing in the Australian Cup. He has a real chance if the track continues to dry.
Chris Waller scratched Boban last week because of the wet track and while he hasn’t raced at 2000 metres, his breeding suggests he will handle it. He has one of the biggest finishes in Australian racing and will appreciate the drier conditions this week.
Le Roi rounds out the field following his impressive first-up victory at Moonee Valley. While this is a big step up in class, he has form behind Silent Achiever and is drawn to get a cosy run with Craig Williams.
As always, the track conditions are going to be a major factor in this race. There was no disadvantage drawing inside last week and with the rail out six metres, I expect horses to be getting well off the fence by the end of the day.
The main question for punters will be whether the Doncaster horses will handle the back up from last week and whether Silent Achiever and It’s A Dundeel cope with the drop in distance. It all adds up to an exciting inaugural edition of the ‘new’ Queen Elizabeth Stakes, so let’s hope for a few upgrades throughout the day.
Roar racing writers’ autumn tipping competition (five points if winning horse is tipped for first; three points if tipped for second; two for third and one for fourth):
Sam Kelly – Roar Guru and today’s live blogger
1. Hawkspur
2. Carlton House
3. Silent Achiever
4. Green Moon
Justin Cinque – Roar Racing Editor
1. Silent Achiever
2. It’s A Dundeel
3. Green Moon
4. Carlton House
Cameron Rose – Roar Expert
1. Silent Achiever
2. It’s A Dundeel
3. Royal Descent
4. Carlton House
Alfred Chan – Roar Guru
1. Royal Descent
2. It’s A Dundeel
3. Silent Achiever
4. Hawkspur
Brad Durrant – Roar Guru
1. It’s A Dundeel
2. Silent Achiever
3. Hawkspur
4. Dear Demi
Brent Ford – Roar Guru
1. Sacred Falls
2. It’s A Dundeel
3. Carlton House
4. Silent Achiever
Points tally after Day 1 of The Championships
Brent Ford – 39
Justin Cinque – 30
Cameron Rose – 29
Alfred Chan – 22
Brad Durrant – 22
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