It’s A Dundeel left his best run of the autumn for when it mattered most as the New Zealand-trained star won the $4 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick on Saturday.
Confirming his place among the best horses in Australasia, It’s A Dundeel defeated Sacred Falls and the Queen’s horse Carlton House in the weight-for-age event, the showpiece race of The Championships.
It's A Dundeel - Photo by Steve Hart
Jockey James McDonald had It’s A Dundeel ($4.40) racing in third place and he was the first horse to set out after Carlton House ($8) who led from the gates.
He got on terms with Carlton House at the 200m, momentarily established a clear advantage and then he had to find one more gear to stave off Sacred Falls ($11).
“We’ve been aiming for this all along,” trainer Murray Baker said. “We thought he was spot-on for today.”
Sacred Falls, backing up from his Doncaster Mile win last, chased brilliantly to finish second.
Carlton House also won admirers with his minor placing after ensuring it was a genuinely run 2000m contest.
He strode clear at the 400m before being claimed by the winner.”
It’s A Dundeel had been beaten in three previous autumn runs in Sydney but went into the Queen Elizabeth as the best backed runner.
