The 2026 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m) at Randwick shapes as one of the races of the day, with a deep and competitive mares’ field where multiple winning chances emerge. Lady Shenandoah brings strong Group 1 form back to her own grade and looks ideally placed after a solid effort in the George Ryder, while Idle Flyer comes through the Emancipation with real momentum and upside. Arctic Glamour and Melody Again are also racing in terrific form and add further depth, while questions remain around Pride Of Jenni backing up off a tough run and whether conditions flattered her last start.
From a betting perspective, this looks a race to side with the mares trending the right way, and Lady Shenandoah appeals as one of the hardest to beat dropping back into this grade. Idle Flyer profiles perfectly for the race and looks ready to take the next step, while Melody Again shapes as a genuine value runner if she gets the breaks. It’s a race full of chances, but the edge goes to the proven class and fitness of Lady Shenandoah in what should be a ripping contest.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Queen Of The Turf Stakes.
2026 Queen Of The Turf Stakes Runner Preview:
1. Pride Of Jenni: To the eye, incredible in the Australian Cup. But, like the All Star Mile, was she flattered by the up/in pattern? I am saying yes and just surely…surely she can’t recover in time to win.
2. Lady Shenandoah: Lady Shenandoah is three weeks between runs since contesting the George Ryder when in the inferior lanes and kept chasing in a really good effort in defeat behind Autumn Glow. Back to Mares grade, she has the runs on the board and is one of the hardest to beat.
3. Treasurethe Moment: She’s cast IMO. Plain in the Futurity and yes, won the Sunline, but that was a field of Listed Mares. Proper girl power here and for mine, the jury is still well and truly out.
4. Lazzura: SCR
5. She’s A Hustler: Quality mare that resumes and first up in a major signals intent on paper…but is this a tune up for Brisbane? Me thinks yes.
6. Leica Lucy: I think she’s flying…but the gate seals her fate IMO.
7. Arctic Glamour: Arctic Glamour commands respect. She has been quite good in both runs back, the latest in the Coolmore when a close up second to Lazzura in a blanket finish. Tricky gate but hard to knock the way she’s racing at present.
8. Idle Flyer: Idle Flyer comes here with that sense of timing after an arrogant win in the Emancipation where the late market push said she was a moral and duly saluted under a confident steer from Zac Lloyd. Has good upside/progression and looks clearly set for the race.
9. Melody Again: Melody Again is flying for Scott Singleton and is one of the hardest to beat. She was unlucky I thought in the Coolmore Classic, getting back off speed and was held up at times but did get clear very late when a close up fourth to Lazzura. Hard fit, tick over trial was super…she has to be specked at a price.
10. Pinito: Total forgive in the Epona but she’s not quite up to this level.
11. Perfumist: SCR
12. Dark Glitter: Gallant mare but she’s not up to these.
13. Modella: Pattern was against in the Emancipation and was solid late. She’ll be strong late but may concede too much head start.
14. Ole Dancer: SCR
2026 Queen Of The Turf Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$70 Win Lady Shenandoah, $5 Win/$25 Place Melody Again
Queen Of The Turf Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | PRIDE OF JENNI | Ciaron Maher | Declan Bates | 1 | 57kg |
| 2 | LADY SHENANDOAH | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 2 | 57kg |
| 3 | TREASURETHE MOMENT | Matt Laurie | Damian Lane | 3 | 57kg |
| 5 | SHE’S A HUSTLER (NZ) | Grahame Begg | Jordan Childs | 6 | 57kg |
| 6 | LEICA LUCY (NZ) | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 10 | 57kg |
| 7 | ARCTIC GLAMOUR | Gerald Ryan & Sterling Alexiou | Tom Sherry | 7 | 57kg |
| 8 | IDLE FLYER | Matthew Smith | Zac Lloyd | 4 | 57kg |
| 9 | MELODY AGAIN | Scott Singleton | Ms Winona Costin | 9 | 57kg |
| 10 | PINITO | Chris Waller | Jason Collett | 13 | 57kg |
| 12 | DARK GLITTER | Mike Van Gestel | Dylan Gibbons | 14 | 57kg |
| 13 | MODELLA | Lee & Cherie Curtis | Chad Schofield | 12 | 57kg |
Queen Of The Turf Stakes Odds
2026 Queen Of The Turf Stakes Speed Map
Not too much needs to be said here. Pride Of Jenni will do her thing, but, drawing gate one isn’t ideal. She isn’t dazzling from the gates so will spend petrol hunting up. But, I doubt anything will want to take her on.
