The stage is set for another potential master feat by champion trainer Chris Waller as he targets his sixth victory in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Stakes this Saturday.
Ranvet Stakes winner Via Sistina heads 2024 Queen Elizabeth Stakes betting to make it two-from-two down under. Photo: Steve Hart.
Waller will saddle up the race favourite, Via Sistina, in the $5 million Sydney feature race on Day 2 of The Championships at Royal Randwick.
This year’s Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) boasts a competitive field of eleven, with Waller boasting an impressive five runners, led by the imported mare Via Sistina. James McDonald, in top form this autumn, retains the ride on Via Sistina after their successful partnership in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) at Rosehill on March 23.
Following her dominant Australian debut, the six-year-old mare currently sits atop Queen Elizabeth Stakes odds at $2.40 with Ladbrokes. If victorious, Via Sistina would emulate Avilius (2019) by achieving the coveted Ranvet Stakes – Queen Elizabeth Stakes double.
Waller is no stranger to Queen Elizabeth Stakes glory, having secured the title an impressive five times previously. His most recent reign included a remarkable three-peat with the legendary Winx (2017-2019).
This year, Waller boasts additional contenders in the race: Buckaroo (gate two, ridden by Blake Shinn), Group 1 winner Lindermann (gate ten), Kovalica, and dual acceptor Atishu. A decision on Atishu’s participation awaits, as she is also a contender to defend her title in the Group 1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes (1600m).
Via Sistina faces stiff competition, most notably from fellow mare Pride Of Jenni ($3.90) trained by Ciaron Maher. Pride Of Jenni boasts a strong recent showing, winning the All-Star Mile and finishing a close second in the Australian Cup. This marks her first Sydney run in a year.
Another contender is the evergreen Cascadian ($7), the Godolphin team’s dual Australian Cup champion. The nine-year-old comes into the race in top form after consecutive victories in the Australian Cup and with a strong showing in the All-Star Mile.
Other notable entries include Anthony & Sam Freedman‘s French import Place Du Carrousel ($11) and Lindsay Park‘s WFA star Mr Brightside ($13).
The Queen Elizabeth Stakes promises to be a thrilling race, with Waller aiming to solidify his legacy and Via Sistina looking to emulate past champions.
2024 Queen Elizabeth Stakes Field
| No | Last 10 | Horse | Trainer | Jockey | Barrier | Weight | Probable Weight | Penalty | Hcp Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 11222×1125 | MR BRIGHTSIDE (NZ) | Ben, Will & JD Hayes | Craig Williams | 11 | 59kg | 118 | ||
| 2 | 213x7x9431 | CASCADIAN (GB) | James Cummings | Ben Melham | 6 | 59kg | 116 | ||
| 3 | 43x275x535 | BUCKAROO (GB) | Chris Waller | Blake Shinn | 2 | 59kg | 110 | ||
| 4 | x0488x6310 | LINDERMANN | Chris Waller | Tim Clark | 10 | 59kg | 109 | ||
| 5 | 1x9250x409 | KOVALICA (NZ) | Chris Waller | Nash Rawiller | 7 | 59kg | 107 | ||
| 6 | 454010×962 | ZEYREK (FR) | Michael, Wayne & John Hawkes | Joshua Parr | 4 | 59kg | 106 | ||
| 7 | x62611x212 | PRIDE OF JENNI | Ciaron Maher | Declan Bates | 3 | 57kg | 118 | ||
| 8 | 1x1132x2x1 | VIA SISTINA (IRE) | Chris Waller | James McDonald | 5 | 57kg | 117 | ||
| 9 | x52021x813 | ATISHU (NZ) | Chris Waller | Tom Marquand | 9 | 57kg | 114 | ||
| 10 | x1x5x110x2 | PLACE DU CARROUSEL (IRE) | Anthony & Sam Freedman | Tommy Berry | 8 | 57kg | 110 | ||
| 11 | 312x6x6622 | CEOLWULF (NZ) | Joseph Pride | Jason Collett | 1 | 55.5kg | 100 |
Table Credit: Racing Australia.
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