Ajc Queen Elizabeth Stakes

Race Preview

The AJC Queen Elizabeth Stakes is a Group 1 race held every April at Randwick racecourse. It is raced over a distance of 2000 meters and is run under weight for age conditions. The race is open to horses of any age and sex and carries a prize purse of $350,000.

It was first run in 1954 and has now become one of the most popular races on the Sydney autumn carnival calendar. It has held Group 1 status since 1980 and has produced many stars of the turf with some of the more notable names including Desert War, Grand Armee, Lonhro, Might And Power, Doriemus, Jeune, Tristarc, General Command and Tulloch.

As the race is held over 2000m at weight for age conditions, it’s an attractive race for trainers to enter their horses on the final day of the carnival. As a result, we usually see a very strong field of gallopers contesting the race and this year promises to be no different.

It is held on Sydney Cup Day, a monster day of racing which has four Group 1 races on the cards. The other three are the Sydney Cup, All Aged Stakes and Champagne Stakes.

Spotting Winners

Be sure to analyse the important lead up races – in particular The BMW or the Australian Cup. These two races have been the best guides in recent years. Although the Doncaster Handicap has not produced a winner yet, be sure to analyse form from this race also as most contenders come via the Doncaster.

Stay away from mares and 3-year-olds as the last mare to win was Dinky Flyer in 1987, while the last 3yo to win was Intergaze in 1997.

We’d also highly recommend checking out which runners Gai Waterhouse has, as she has an unbelievable record in this race.

Previous Ajc Queen Elizabeth Stakes Winners