The first of four G1’s on the final day of the Sydney Autumn carnival is the Queen Elizabeth Stakes. We see the ATC Derby winner, It’s A Dundeel, take on older horses for the first time and off the back of his unbelievable win a fortnight ago, it’s no surprise to see him installed as the short priced, $1.45 favourite.
Luxbet Free BetSportsbet Free BetBookmaker Free Bet
Queen Elizabeth Stakes Form Guide
1. MANIGHAR – L Nolen (9)
Resumed from a light Spring preparation and a twenty four week break with a poor showing as a 9/2 chance in the G1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) in March and, when he followed that up with a last placing in the G1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m), alarm bells rang out that all was not right with Peter Moody trained 7yo. A much better showing at his next and most recent start when fourth (beaten 1 ¼ lengths) in the G1 George Ryder (1500m)behind Pierro, had Moody claiming that he was only now getting to race fitness level. He ran second to More Joyous in this race last year after having won three consecutive G1 races.
2. RELIABLE MAN – J Bowman (2)
A former European galloper who was thrown into the deep three weeks ago by Trainer Chris Waller when, making his Australian debut in the G1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m), produced a sterling effort to run sixth (beaten 1.6 lengths) behind Pierro. He can only be better for that run and his record in Europe indicates that his best distance was at this distance, up to 2400m. Was close up behind Danedream in the G1 King and Queen (2000m) and ran fourth to So You Think and Carlton House in the G1 Prince of Wales.
3. GLASS HARMONIUM – S Arnold (1)
He kicked off this campaign with an encouraging second (beaten 3 ¼ length) to All Too Hard in the G1 Futurity Stakes (1400m) before, as expected second up, finding the last furlong of the Australian Cup (2000m) testing and finishing fifth, five lengths behind Super Cool. Was given a six week break by Trainer Mike Moroney but he didn’t appreciate the heavy conditions of last week’s G1 Doncaster (1600m) and finished a well beaten fourteenth. Fourth up last prep, he beat all bar Ocean Park home in the G1 McKinnon Stakes over this trip. Might place if left only in front.
4. HAPPY TRAILS – G Schofield (4)
Rounded out his Spring campaign with victory in the G1 Emirates Handicap (1600m) but his three runs back this time in, have been well below that mark. He returned with a ninth of ten in the G1 Canterbury Classic (1300m) and backed that up with a better effort, when last and widest on the turn, finishing 2.2 lengths off Pierro in the G1 George Ryder Stakes (1500m). Never figured on the Heavy track in last week’s Doncaster and expect this trip and the WFA conditions, to find him out here.
5. LAMASERY – P Robl (8)
Winner of the G2 Hill Stakes (2000m) last preparation and was primed for his return in the G2 Ajax Stakes, where he finished ten of eighteen (4 ¼ lengths from winner Havana Rey), with three barrier trails. Since the Ajax, Trainer David Vandyke has given him yet another trail to keep him wound up and, according to his second/third up runs in previous campaigns, is capable of a cheeky effort.
6. SILENT ACHIEVER – T Berry (7)
Has the jockey of the Carnival aboard and recent form suggests the 4yo O’Reilly mare is very close to a win. Ran fifth to Foreteller (third up from a spell) before closing well from the tail of the field to run Fiveandahalfstar to a head, in the G1 The BMW last start. She’ll never get a better chance to claim a G1 in Australia than this. The logical danger.
7. SECRET ADMIRER – B Shinn (6)
Not far off them in either the G1 Canterbury Classic and the G1 Queen of the Turf at her first two runs back this prep before drawing poorly in last week’s Doncaster Handicap and finishing eighth (4.1 lengths) behind Sacred Falls. The quick back up, step up to 2000m and the WFA conditions are three obstacles she faces here and will find at least one of them, too hard to overcome.
8. ZURELLA – C Newitt (3)
Zabeel mare who really caught the eye behind Appearance in the G1 Coolmore Classic at her second run back from a spell and then (surprisingly?) was taken back to NZ for a tilt at the G1 Easter Handicap but the trip proved fruitless, with her finishing well down the track in eleventh spot. The step up to 2000m should suit but the quality of the race is a significant step up on her previous run and she only carries .5 kilo less.
9. IT’S A DUNDEEL – M Rodd (5)
Has dominated his age group this season and recorded impressive victories in both the Randwick and Rosehill Guineas before toying with his rivals in the ATC Derby a fortnight with an effortless six length victory. That was the son of High Chaparral’s eighth win from his eleven starts and despite stepping up to WFA for the first time, deserves the favourite’s tag.
OVERVIEW
Glass Harmonium should lead from 1 and roll along and I’d expect Manighar to go forward from his gate given the anticipated general tempo. If he does get a spot early, given his better effort the other week and Moody’s comments suggesting he’s only now hitting his straps, $13.00 about a horse with a record like his is appealing. Obviously the favourite is the one they have to beat – he’s in supreme form and should make the step up to WFA given that other 3yo’s he has competed against successfully in the past, certainly have. Reliable Man and Silent Achiever round out the trifecta hopes.
