This week’s news confirms Autumn Glow aiming for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, allowing barnmate Aeliana to strike quickly at Rosehill in a Tancred Stakes clash against repeat winner Dubai Honour.
Part of three Group 1 scalps secured by Chris Waller and James Mcdonald at Golden Slipper Day, Aeliana lacks experience racing consecutive weekends, and the Tancred Stakes will be her first go at 2400m since demolishing ATC Australian Derby foes a dozen months prior.
The filly sits as a commanding $1.65 top pick, ahead of $4.20 Dubai Honour, while five Waller allies join the fray, including enhancing stayer Soul Of Spain.
For any shock from her group, Waller’s aide Charlie Duckworth highlighted the recent Sky High Stakes second as capable of striking.
“I think he’s going to be hard to beat,” Duckworth said.
“Aeliana is on the back-up. It was a tough, testing run (in the Ranvet Stakes).
“She’s got the form and everything, but a mile-and-a-half at three-year-old grade against a mile-and-a-half against these older, tougher horses is a different ball game.
“River Of Stars will improve up to 2400 metres, and you will see the same from Valiant King. He jumps out of the ground when he gets to 2400 metres as well, so we’ve got some very good hopes.”
Mares have prevailed in three of the last 10 Tancred Stakes (2400m), most notably Verry Elleegant back in 2020.
Mcdonald continues aboard Aeliana and reunites with Waller for the bill-topper’s fellow elite race, steering Kiwi import Ohope Wins in her initial Sydney outing in the Vinery Stud Stakes (2000m).
Discover prime racing betting markets ahead of the Tancred Stakes showdown.