Dubai Honour out to maintain perfect Sydney record in Queen Elizabeth Stakes
Dubai Honour returns to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes with a title already under his belt, but his connections are approaching this year’s contest with renewed caution, according to travelling assistant Isabella Paul.
The William Haggas-trained galloper won the 2023 edition after a strong season at middle distances in Europe.
Since then, he’s evolved into a reliable 2400-metre performer, underlined by his win in the Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill last time out.
Cutting back in trip to 2000m for Saturday’s $5 million feature at Randwick brings new dynamics, which Paul is carefully considering.
“He probably is a bit more vulnerable back to that trip,” Paul said.
“Whether it’s because, prior to that, we were running against Romantic Warriors and horses like that, and it’s enough to find anyone out, even the best horses. Whether that had a bit to do with it, but he has definitely been more consistent over the mile-and-a-half trip.”
That said, Dubai Honour has yet to miss a beat in Australia, having swept through the Ranvet and Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2023 and remaining unbeaten following his Tancred success.
Paul says he’s in great condition and ready to tackle the challenge again this weekend.
“That would be nice, to keep the perfect record,” she said.
“It’s obviously not that straightforward and he’s got an outside draw.
“There are couple of horses in there which will hopefully mean there is good pace and that would also be a benefit.”
Via Sistina heads the betting for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m), with Dubai Honour sitting second at $6.
Paul is inspired by the longevity of both contenders and their continued excellence.
“She is just a phenomenal filly. It’s such a credit to Chris Waller that she is still running as well as she is at seven-years-old,” Paul said.
“I think it’s quite cool to have two seven-year-olds going up against each other and it just shows you they are really, really versatile and how tough they can be.
“And if they still enjoy racing and they can have seriously long, very profitable careers.”
Together, Dubai Honour and Via Sistina boast a remarkable record, with 52 starts and over $18 million in combined prize money.
More Racing News
Fitness test awaits Campaldino for Sydney Cup entry
Prospective Sydney Cup runner Campaldino requires clearance from a fitness assessment to join the two-mile event at Randwick, after routine vet checks detected cardiac arrhythmia.Co-trainer Adrian Bott mentioned the absence of any such concern post his second place in the Chairman's Handicap (2600m) on Saturday, with the gelding showing no...
Sadler targets Black Type with Merrigold at Caulfield
Trainer John Sadler is on track to seek crucial Black Type for the mare Merrigold during Caulfield action.Having claimed victory in a benchmark 84 event at 1400m on Caulfield's track last Saturday, Sadler has his sights on the Listed Anniversary Vase (1600m) set for Caulfield this Saturday.Sadler mentioned Merrigold is...
Sydney prizes beckon for Ben Brisbourne after breakthrough Group Two
Ben Brisbourne, fresh from his debut Group Two triumph, shows no signs of slowing down as he pursues more wins in the two-year-old division.From his base in Wangaratta, the trainer intends to run his minimally experienced filly Salann in Saturday's Listed Fernhill Mile (1600m) at Randwick, eyeing a potential tilt...
Sydney Cup next for Melbourne Cup-bound Whisky On The Hill
Whisky On The Hill holds a guaranteed spot in the Melbourne Cup, prompting some to consider steering clear of handicapper pressure by passing on the Sydney Cup.Trainer Glen Thompson chatted about this with the ownership syndicate, but the better decision prevailed over avoiding challenge, so the reliable stayer lines up...
Ipswich hosts Cool Music's next challenge
The holiday racing spotlight falls on Ipswich in Queensland, where trainer Bryan Dais expects Cool Music to advance and reveal the ability he envisions for her future.Carrying 60 kilos in benchmark 58, Cool Music looks set to strike as she moves down from midweek to provincial in Monday's Barrier Reef...
Tempted and Marhoona set to renew rivalry in Arrowfield Sprint
Marhoona and Tempted share a 1-1 record, but bragging rights are up for grabs as the fillies renew hostilities post last year's Golden Slipper during Day Two of The Championships at Randwick.Last-start Group 1 conquerors both, the pair will lock horns in the Arrowfield 3YO Sprint (1200m) next Saturday at...
Gin Twist's future rests on upcoming track gallop
Whether Gin Twist pushes ahead for one more race or takes a spell will be settled by a gallop on the track.If she impresses during Monday's track work, the Lindsay Park two-year-old filly could head to the Listed Redoute's Choice Stakes (1200m) over 1200m at Caulfield this coming Saturday.Gin Twist...
Baker and King etch Australian Derby success with Green Spaces victory
Baker fulfilled a lifelong ambition with the Derby conquest, mirroring his dad, the celebrated Kiwi handler Murray Baker, responsible for five triumphs in the prestigious Randwick showpiece.Among Australia's longest-standing major events, the Derby began in 1861 alongside the debut Melbourne Cup taken by Archer.Baker disclosed plans to enter Green Spaces...
Dominant Doncaster Mile win for Sheza Alibi
The seasoned trainer Peter Moody was not often emotional during Black Caviar's tenure, but he was visibly moved after Sheza Alibi's impressive conquest of the Doncaster Mile (1600m) at Randwick.Starting from close to the tail of the 16-horse lineup, the $1.90 top pick looked to have plenty of work to...
Gelding Hughes smashes Caulfield record in Victoria Handicap
Racing moves at a rapid pace over 12 months.A year back, the gelding Hughes took out a benchmark 70 over 1400m at Caulfield soon after joining trainer Gavin Bedggood. This Saturday saw him become a Group 3 victor in the Victoria Handicap (1400m), breaking the track record in the bargain.Ridden...