The intense matchup of Aeliana versus Dubai Honour unfolded as a gripping contest between premier weight-for-age horses at full strength.
Aeliana tapped into reserves to overhaul Dubai Honour and snag the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) conducted at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, both elevating their profiles in a pulse-pounding finale.
Chris Waller, inductee in the Hall of Fame, equated Aeliana with his ex-champion Verry Elleegant, as English visitor Dubai Honour illustrated that years don’t limit peak racing.
Here was weight-for-age at peak quality – two superior runners in fierce combat, directed by global riding masters with aggressive approaches.
Tom Marquand on Dubai Honour grabbed the front, making James McDonald place Aeliana immediately behind and monitor the threat closely.
The ploy was inches from success. Rounding into the final stages, Marquand sent Dubai Honour clear by three lengths, poised to nab the prize.
Aeliana wouldn’t relent though. Ridden by McDonald, she methodically narrowed the deficit, prevailing stride for stride at the end.
“I was worried from the 300m to the 100m but Aeliana was very brave,” Waller said.
“It’s hard to beat a (William) Haggas horse when they’re being set for a race as Mr Haggas does.
“He shows us what training’s all about when he comes down here. We knew we had to be on top of our game.”
The Tancred Stakes history includes legendary fights like Octagonal over Arkady in 1997 and Makybe Diva by Grand Armee in 2005 – this one joins the top tier.
Aeliana at $1.70 favourite triumphed by a short head over the $3.60 Dubai Honour, Vauban ($7) trailing by close to five lengths for third.
McDonald notched his 10th Group 1 this term, far from simple.
“I had to be pretty patient on Aeliana because I learned a bit on her the other day,” McDonald said.
“I thought even though it wasn’t ideal letting them get so far in front, I had confidence that the mare would pick him up.
“Once she balances up, then she finds.”
McDonald noted a preference for cover yet adapted to Marquand’s bold lead.
“It wasn’t my plan to give him so much of a head start, but I just waited and waited for her to be ready and when she was ready she just exploded,” he said.
“At the 300m, I could feel her building underneath me. I just felt if I went earlier, I would’ve been out of my comfort zone. It was a chance I was willing to take and I’m glad it paid off.”
The tactic from Marquand was calculated.
“We kind of knew what would happen if we just sat and did what we normally do,” he said.
“We tried something different and it nearly worked, but the filly was very good.”
Issy Paul, assistant to Dubai Honour’s team abroad, agreed.
“It’s disappointing to lose but he’s run a great race. I’m very proud of him.”
Star Thoroughbreds’ Denise Martin secured Aeliana for $180,000; she has six victories in 18, three Group 1s, over $4.3 million earned.
With the Ranvet Stakes already banked, this Group 1 double raises options for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick.
“She’s had two solid runs, we’ll see how the Queen Elizabeth fits in,” Waller said.
“She’ll be here for another two years so there’s plenty to look forward to. Who knows, she might be the next Verry Elleegant.”
Dubai Honour eyes that race too, his famous success three years ago.
“By English standards it’s a quick turnaround, but that’s the plan,” Paul confirmed.
Explore sports betting options for the Tancred Stakes and more at reliable betting sites.
