This Saturday’s headline act at Randwick is the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), where star mare Via Sistina is aiming to match Winx’s record of seven Group 1 victories in a single season.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2025 Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
2025 Queen Elizabeth Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Dubai Honour: I think you have to give serious respect to Dubai Honour. I think he was kissed on the date with the ride/run in the Tancred but he was still an impressive winner and the numbers say he thrives in Australia vs most other countries. Back to 2000m is fine, there should be give in the track and will be stronger than most late.
2. Rousham Park: He brings elite form from overseas. From all reports, he is working very well at Canterbury in readiness for this race and Lemaire makes the trip over to ride, which is a very positive lead. He’s one of the leading contenders I say.
3. Light Infantry Man: High pressure 2000m in the Australian Cup and he went like an absolute rocket. He looks to be getting better with racing and despite the wide gate…I think he’s in the mix.
4. Ceolwulf: To the eye, an ordinary win in the Sky High. But, he was ridden like a good thing, had the big weight, and I think that took away something from his finale. The gate makes things very tough for him but he’ll run a positive race.
5. Tom Kitten: Total forgive in the Doncaster given he was nearer the inside, which wasn’t the spot to be at all. 2000m should be fine, he likes Randwick…but I just think he lacks the class.
6. Vauban: I reckon if he gets clear air, he wins the Tancred instead of a closing third. Wasn’t the best of steers IMO. He has come back in great order and he’ll be strong late. Not sure he wins, but a must for exotics.
7. Buckaroo: The knockout for me is clearly Buckaroo. I thought he was excellent in the George Ryder, getting back, was wide, and worked home with real purpose late for a horse better suited over further. He might want further, more fitness, but he has the class/quality to run a beauty.
8. Lindermann: He tried his guts out in the Ranvet but was simply no match for Via Sistina and suspect something similar will eventuate again.
9. Fawkner Park: He is absolutely flying this horse. But I reckon he’ll run well here and then run very well in Brisbane, being hard to beat in the Doomben Cup/Q22.
10. Middle Earth: Good horse, but not at 2000m at this level. Australian Cup run says he wants 2400m, not here, so he goes through to the keeper.
11. Geoglyph: Was very keen in the run in the Doncaster but even allowing for that, he was terrible. Not for me.
12. Via Sistina: Via Sistina is on top, but I wouldn’t say she is a moral. Showed great fight to win the Verry Elleegant and then made a mess of them in the Ranvet. Arrogant win, but what did she exactly beat? Good horses, but no world beaters. I still think she will eat up the 2000m here at Randwick and win. But, I am not going to jump up and down, declaring her, because there is quality to this line up.
13. Fangirl: Scratched
14. Deny Knowledge: Gee she looks a big price. Gets front end control here and her run in the Australian Cup was incredible. The fact she kicked back for second…enormous. She’ll lead, roll along in front and take running down.
15. Full Count Felicia: Scratched
2025 Queen Elizabeth Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$10 Win/$90 Place Buckaroo.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $5750
Group l Strategy Return: $3504.50
2025 Queen Elizabeth Stakes Speed Map
Deny Knowledge should get complete control here, and roll, which is where she races best. Dubai Honour should use the wide gate to get across, land outside her. Full Count Felicia looks to lob into a good spot from the draw, likewise Via Sistina. Lindermann won’t be far away.
