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
mary main - geelong
Guest
Plse dont take sacred falls to europe. Imo the horse has really not shown the brilliance he did in nz. He hasnt thrived away from the boutique style stable he had in nz. He's homesick. He will flop in the uk and subsequently so could his stud value.
Sam James
Roar Guru
That's all from us here and Royal Randwick and the end of The Championships,; thanks for all your support. What a fantastic two weeks with so many highlights: Lanken Rupee in the TJ Smith, Tommy Berry picking up two Group 1's and finally, It's A Dundeel stamping himself as the best middle distance horse in Australiasia. The Group 1 racing continues next week in Sydney and over in Adelaide, so stay tuned throughout the week at The Roar for all the best news and opinions!
Sam James
Roar Guru
There is talk It's A Dundeel could be freshened for Royal Ascot in a bid to enhance his stud value in the northern hemisphere, but no decision will be made right away. I would say the Prince of Wales would be the likely target if he were to go.
Sam James
Roar Guru
The race was dominated by the on-pace runners, but It's A Dundeel was far too strong. Sacred Falls was brave in defeat, but couldn't quite chase down the champ. Carlton House fought on gamely and Silent Achiever just couldn't quicken with the winner.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Winning trainer Murray Baker is relieved to see the horse perform today. He was aimed precisely for Queen Elizabeth and was in perfect condition today.
Brent Ford
Roar Guru
Hope people boxed my first 4 ;)
Sam James
Roar Guru
The Queen couldn't win the race named after her, but John Messara won the race he made the carnival feature. He is extremely excited, but won't confirm whether the horse is going to stud.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Winning jockey James McDonald very happy to send the horse out to the stud on a winning note. James McDonald says this is the horse who put on the map in Australia.
Sam James
Roar Guru
1ST - IT'S A DUNDEEL 2ND- SACRED FALLS 3RD - CARLTON HOUSE 4TH - SILENT ACHIEVER
Sam James
Roar Guru
They straighten for home and Carlton House has a big lead, but It's A Dundeel and Silent Avhiever are out after him. It's A Dundeel goes to Carlton House; Sacred Falls is coming. It's A Dundeel in front and he will hold on. Another great ride from James McDonald!
Sam James
Roar Guru
At the 800m, Carlton House has them strung out at a good clip. He has a gap on My Kingdom of FIfe, with Silent Achiever and It's A Dundeel starting to make their runs
Sam James
Roar Guru
Racing! Carlton House jumped beautifully along with It's A Dundeel, but as they settle down Carlton House leads from My Kingdom of Fife with It's A Dundeel smoking his pipe behind the leader. Silent Achiever is just in behind them.
Sam James
Roar Guru
All in and ready for the $4 million race!
Sam James
Roar Guru
Horses are starting to move in and we can confirm Silent Achiever will start favourite ahead of It's A Dundeel who continues to drift.
Sam James
Roar Guru
There should be good pace on in the race with Carlton House. Expect horses to move towards the middle of the track around the turn.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Horses on the way to the barriers, where It's A Dundeel has eased and is now equal favourite with Silent Achiever. Punters may be a little cautious after the incident in the stables.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Trainer Chris Waller very happy with each of his five runners in the race. He believes Sacred Falls backed up the best from the Doncaster, however Hawkspur will relish the 2000m.
Sam James
Roar Guru
It's a Dundeel is coltish in the yard and playing up for his strappers. Trainer Murray Baker reported the horse got a fright and slipped, taking some skin off the back of his leg. He stated it is nothing to worry about though.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Dear Demi looks relaxed in the yard, like most of these staying types do.
Sam James
Roar Guru
Royal Descent is also on her toes in the yard coming off her big run last week.