The Championships had many of the great races of the season within it already but a headline race was going to become a necessity. That was what the AU$5m G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes evolved into and since that 2014 growth, what memories have we witnessed!
How could anyone forget the way we all saw the legend that is WINX into her retirement as she made it 33 straight victories, of which 25 were from G1 races and at the time a world record prizemoney tally. Randwick rocked like never before that afternoon in 2019.
That is not to say the other G1s on the day are in any way to be forgotten. The AU$2m 3200m G1 Sydney Cup has had a rebirth while the girls shine in both the AU$1m 2400m G1 Australian Oaks and the AU$1m 1600m G1 Queen of The Turf Stakes.
The huge prizemoney doesn’t end there with two 1200m G2 Arrowfield 3yo Sprint (Royal Sovereign Stakes) and Percy Sykes Stakes.
VIA SISTINA won the G1 Pretty Polly Stakes in Ireland last year.
Can VIA SISTINA shine in the finale of Autumn?
Overseas raiders hold a strong record in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes with William Haggas’ runners DUBAI HONOUR and ADDEYBB winning three of the last five renewals. Despite a lack of entry other than Australia and Kiwi runners this year, there are plenty of European-bred participants, with particular excitement surrounding VIA SISTINA from Chris Waller stable. Trained by George Boughey in the UK, VIA SISTINA won the G1 Pretty Polly Stakes and finished second to KING OF STEEL in the British Champion Stakes last year. Defected another strong rival PLACE DU CARROUSEL, she has also re-opened the door to victory by making a G1 success in her Australia debut in Ranvet Stakes. Given her class and recent form, the 6YO mare should be one of the strongest contenders in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
MR BRIGHTSIDE has yet to get a winner in 2000m.
MR BRIGHTSIDE heads again to Sydney
MR BRIGHTSIDE is inarguably one of the greatest stars in Australian racing in recent years. Although he is still waiting for the first winner over 2000m and just defected by CASCADIAN by nearly five lengths in the Australian Cup in Flemington, the 6YO gelding deserves respect given his rich experience in The Championships and back-to-back winners in the last two renewals of the Doncaster Mile. The Hayes claimed he was unlikely to make the trip to the FWD Champions Day in Shatin after the Australian Cup, his performance in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes should be nothing out of exceptional.
MR BRIGHTSIDE has yet to get a winner in 2000m.
Can SELINO and MANZOICE help Chris Waller’s to get his sixth winner in the Sydney Cup?
Chris Waller attempts for his sixth Sydney Cup
Chris Waller has brilliant performances in the Sydney Cup. He currently shares the record for the most winners in this 3200m stayers’ contest with Dan Lewis and just needs one more win to claim the most Sydney Cups. In fact, Chris Waller has won the Sydney Cup for five times with SELINO (2021), SHRAAOH (2019), WHO SHOT THEBARMAN (2018), GRAND MARSHAL (2015) and STAND TO GAIN (2011). The legendary trainer holds a strong hand again this year with the pair SELINO and MANZOICE. It is interesting to see if he can achieve a historic sixth Sydney Cup title.
