The second Group highlight at Randwick on Saturday is the Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m), with Autumn Glow holding a commanding position in early betting markets.
Since markets were framed, Autumn Glow has clearly headed wagering for the 1600m feature, dominating discussions among punters ahead of the weekend showdown.
Down below is a speed map, runner preview and $100 betting strategy for the 2026 Verry Elleegant Stakes.
2026 Verry Elleegant Stakes Runner Preview:
1.Ceolwulf: Had excuses in the Apollo and I think wait for him until the Blinkers go back on.
2.Sir Delius: Trials aren’t everything…but he looks cast. Has been ridden right out in the trials, and the second trial, I thought he was very plain. He trialled much better in the Spring vs this prep, and while the rain is perfect for him, I want to be hard against.
3.Lindermann: Lindermann will run his usual honest race, which was seen first up in the Apollo. He lobbed on speed and looked to be jogging but he just simply had no answers for Autumn Glow. Good racing style and will be around the mark once again.
4.Wootton Verni: He is the first of three Waller stayers using this as a barrier trial. He’ll get back and run on.
5.Soul Of Spain: He’s getting ready for further.
6.Valiant King: Will get better at 2400m+.
7.Trinity College: This is the X Factor. He brings elite form from overseas, his trials have been sneaky good to my eye and Yulong did fork out a fair bit for this guy, who is still an entire, so any race carrying a G1 is important. Huge yard/market watch.
8.Autumn Glow: Baby Winx…need I say any more? Autumn Glow is the best in Australia, by a distance, and the arrogance of her win in the Apollo in her 2026 debut…my godfather, she looked her absolute best. Normally she takes time to wind up, but in the Apollo, J Mac pushed the button and she exploded. She should win again and we should appreciate the greatness before our eyes.
9.Aeliana: Aeliana ran out of her skin in the return in the Apollo. She chased strongly from off speed but was never threatening stablemate Autumn Glow. She’ll love the rise to 1600m, good upside, has class…but is bumping into a freak. That said, she runs well once again.
2026 Verry Elleegant Stakes $100 Betting Strategy:
$100 Place Aeliana at $1.80.
Group l Strategy Outlay: $3700
Group l Strategy Return: $2893
Verry Elleegant Stakes Field
| No | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | CEOLWULF (NZ) | Joseph Pride | Chad Schofield | 2 | 59kg |
| 2 | SIR DELIUS (GB) | Gai Waterhouse & Adrian Bott | Craig Williams | 6 | 59kg |
| 3 | LINDERMANN | Chris Waller | Nash Rawiller | 8 | 59kg |
| 4 | WOOTTON VERNI (FR) | Chris Waller | Adam Hyeronimus | 7 | 59kg |
| 5 | SOUL OF SPAIN (IRE) | Chris Waller | Tommy Berry | 5 | 59kg |
| 6 | VALIANT KING (GB) | Chris Waller | Sam Clipperton | 9 | 59kg |
| 7 | TRINITY COLLEGE (IRE) | Chris Waller | Tim Clark | 4 | 58.5kg |
| 8 | AUTUMN GLOW | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 3 | 57kg |
| 9 | AELIANA (NZ) | Chris Waller | Zac Lloyd | 1 | 57kg |
Verry Elleegant Stakes Odds
2026 Verry Elleegant Stakes Speed Map
Lindermann gets complete front end control here. Autumn Glow should lob handy, either outside him or box seating. Sir Delius will press forward so J Mac potentially lands 1/1 if Aeliana holds leaders back.
