Royal Randwick is the setting for Day 2 of the Championships on Saturday with The Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes taking centre stage. The richest mile and a quarter race in the world has prize money of $4million and has the added interest of a Royal runner.
European racing fans will remember Carlton House being a hot favourite to provide Her Majesty The Queen with her first Epsom Derby win in 2011. Unfortunately the horse had not read the script and was run out of it in the closing stages. He then ran poorly in the Irish equivalent and lost his way a little.
He is now enjoying a new lease of life in the care of Melbourne Cup winning trainer Gai Waterhouse. Last time out he was just beaten on the nod by Silent Achiever in a thrilling duel for the Ranvet Stakes. The winner went on to take The BMW on soft ground, her third Group 1 of the season.
Her victims included It’s A Dundeel and Fiorente in The BMW and the former New Zealand Derby winner will not be adversely affected by the expected heavy ground. I cannot say the same about Carlton House as he has never raced on anything worse than soft. There has been good support for It’s A Dundeel to reverse the form on Saturday but I’m sticking with Silent Achiever.
The supporting card includes The Sydney Cup and Waterhouse may have better luck here with The Offer. The son of Montjeu began life with Aidan O’Brien at Ballydoyle but has developed into a decent staying prospect since joining Waterhouse. He has proven form on heavy ground and avoids a penalty for last week’s easy victory in the Chairman’s Handicap.
The Australian Oaks looks booked for Lucia Valentina who holds several of her rivals on the form of her Group 1 Vinery Stud Stakes victory. Hugh Bowman looked very comfortable as he eased her to a one length victory and it will be disappointing if any of those behind her can beat her on Saturday.
Royal Randwick
3.05 Lucia Valentina at 2.50 Sportsbet
3.45 The Offer at 3.20 Bet365
4.25 Silent Achiever at 4.40 Bet365
