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.