With determination, British challengers from Newmarket have touched down, as William Haggas gears Dubai Honour and Caviar Heights for the $5 million Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick.
Haggas targets Saturday’s premier contest, centerpiece of The Championships, to bolster his excellent local history.
Dubai Honour follows a valiant second to Aeliana in Tancred Stakes (2400m), upfront for much before caught late.
Shortened to 2000m in Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Tom Marquand reunites from stall five in eight-horse lineup.
In Tancred, Marquand set fractions early, though James McDonald timed Aeliana’s bid flawlessly for line win.
Blinkers trial to refine Dubai Honour for revenge.
“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 addressed track and competition demands.
“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.”
Sixth Group 1 beckons Dubai Honour: 36 starts, 10 wins, 12 seconds, 2 thirds, almost $10m earned.
Second string Caviar Heights at $125 packs Euro punch, third in Neville Sellwood Stakes Aussie bow.
Zac Lloyd rides the five-year-old Sea The Stars from barrier four, handy to Dubai Honour.
Global entries stir pot, but unbeaten Autumn Glow dominates narrative.
Chris Waller-prepared $1.45 shot with James McDonald from gate two chases 12th successive success.
Interim Australian Turf Club CEO Steve McMahon evoked the spectacle.
“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.”
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