Day 2 of The Championships shapes to be another captivating spectacle with world-class runners set to star across the four Group 1 contests at Randwick on Saturday.
Front-lined by what is sure to be another seriously competitive edition of the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (QE) Stakes (2000m), racing enthusiasts will be treated to another thrilling display as three of the sport’s biggest talents are set to face-off.
With (Bradman-esque) runs on the board, Verry Elleegant has gone up a deserved favourite for the $4 million feature, as the champion mare is set to take her place in the race that has so far eluded the six-year-old in her previous two attempts.
Hot on her tail in the betting is superstar colt Anamoe – who in his own right has current ‘bragging rights’ over the favourite, after beating her home in last year’s edition of the Cox Plate. Unfortunately, Godolphin’s boom colt will carry a slight question mark into the race after presenting with an elevated temperature and minor blood abnormality a week out from the 2000m event.
Annabel Neasham’s ace gelding Zaaki is sure to attract plenty of market attention again, following his stirring win in last month’s All-Star Mile.
Rounding out this enthralling fixture are Tancred Stakes winner Duais and Ranvet Stakes victor Montefilia – two horses who won’t be short of confidence, following their respective last start routs to again achieve Group 1 success.
With Duais likely to head to the QE, Chris Waller’s in-form gelding Crystal Pegasus is expected to hurdle into favouritism for the Sydney Cup (3200m), as he looks to notch up his fifth straight victory and what would be his maiden Group success.
Stablemates Chalk Stream, Surefire and No Compromise are also all likely to take their place in the $2 million event and will be sure to offer stiff competition following their game efforts in the Queen’s Cup – in which the latter saluted in.
As for the three-year-old fillies in the Australian Oaks (2400m), the form out of last month’s Vinery Stud Stakes will certainly play a role, with Gypsy Goddess, Hinged, Pink Ivory and Yearning all likely to feature
Godolphin duo Honeycreeper and Mamounia are expected to be on the quick back up after their eye-catching performances in last week’s Adrian Knox Stakes – with the former taking out the Group 3 in comprehensive fashion.
Looking to add a third Group 1 victory to her tally, five-year-old mare Colette sits atop early markets to take out the Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m).
Other intriguing nominations that are expected to line up as fierce rivals to the ‘Blue Army’ soldier are exciting Victorian filly Yonce, back-to-back Doncaster placegetter Icebath, and Vinery Stud Stakes winner Fangirl.
A plethora of exciting prospects have also been nominated in the three 1200m Group 2 events: the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint, the 2YO Fillies Percy Sykes Stakes and Sapphire Stakes.
Day 2 of The Champions will also feature the Provincial-Midway Championship Final (1400m), as well as the Listed South Pacific Classic (1400m) and Fernhill Mile Handicap.
Currently rated a Heavy 8 surface, the rail position is set to be out four metres the course entire.
