The British raiders have arrived with intent, as Newmarket trainer William Haggas prepares a dual assault on the $5 million Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick.
Haggas will saddle up both Dubai Honour and Caviar Heights in Saturday’s feature, the headline act of The Championships, as he looks to add to his outstanding Australian record.
Dubai Honour comes into the race off a brave second placing behind Aeliana in the Tancred Stakes (2400m), where he led for much of the journey before being run down late.
Dropping back to 2000 metres for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, he shapes as a major contender and will again be partnered by Tom Marquand from barrier five in the eight-horse field.
In the Tancred, Marquand attempted to dictate from the front, but it was James McDonald aboard Aeliana who timed his run to perfection, grabbing victory right on the line.
Connections are now turning to blinkers in a bid to sharpen Dubai Honour for the rematch.
“Hopefully they’ll sharpen him up,’’ said travelling assistant trainer Issy Paul.
“He’s an older horse now and was bounced out of his run, but I’m happy where he’s at so we’ll give it a good crack.”
“He’s a phenomenal horse, he rarely runs a bad race ever and we’ve got him in a really good place.”
Paul also acknowledged the challenge posed by conditions and the quality of opposition.
“Sometimes the ground might not suit them, and it’s looking like a quick track on Saturday, but you can’t duck and dive. We’ve flown halfway across the world and it’s important we run.”
Dubai Honour will be chasing a sixth Group 1 victory, bringing a record of 36 starts for 10 wins, 12 seconds and two thirds, with earnings approaching $10 million.
Haggas’ second runner, Caviar Heights, is a $125 outsider but brings solid European form, including a placing in the Neville Sellwood Stakes at his Australian debut.
The five-year-old son of Sea The Stars will be ridden by Zac Lloyd and jumps from barrier four, just inside his stablemate.
While the international challengers add intrigue, the race still revolves around unbeaten superstar Autumn Glow.
The $1.45 favourite, trained by Chris Waller and to be ridden by James McDonald, will jump from barrier two as she chases a remarkable 12th straight win.
Australian Turf Club interim CEO Steve McMahon summed up the occasion.
“History isn’t something you watch later. It’s something you show up for,” McMahon said.
“This week at Royal Randwick, Autumn Glow chases her place in racing folklore. Be there. Feel it. Be part of it.”
“Racegoers are starting to embrace Autumn Glow like none other since Winx, and she can create her own history on Saturday if she remains unbeaten.”
Punters can compare odds and markets for the feature via leading betting sites.
