Verry Elleegant Stakes Tips - Runner-by-Runner Guide for the Randwick Group 1
- The Verry Elleegant Stakes offers a competitive lineup over 1600m at Randwick.
- Notable horses include Via Sistina, Ceolwulf, and Fangirl among others.
- Predictions favor Via Sistina, with Ceolwulf and Fangirl also strong contenders.
Formerly known as the Chipping Norton Stakes, the Verry Elleegant Stakes is named after the 11-time Group 1 winning mare who won this race twice in 2021 and 2022.
Run over 1600m at Randwick the Group 1 event has been won by some champion horses including Phar Lap (1930), Tulloch (1960) and Lonhro (2003).
This year's edition is a tantilising one and we’ve gone through every horse below.
1. Ceolwulf
Went to another level last campaign when winning back to back Group 1 races to close out the spring in the Epsom and King Charles Stakes.
Was left a little flat footed first up in the Apollo Stakes but he’s won twice from three second up runs and will appreciate the step up to 1600m now.
2. Zarakem
Comes to Australia having won nine of 17 career starts and comes into the Ciaron Maher stable with pretty good credentials over staying distances.
He finished seven lengths back to Bluestocking in arguably the best staying race in the world the Prix De L’arc Triomphe last campaign and was also runner up in the Group 1 Prince Of Wales’s at Ascot.
3. Fawkner Park
Changed course after a couple of below par runs at the start of the spring but it turned out to be the right decision when he won the Group 3 Rosehill Gold Cup.
Has won nine of 20 overall and has two trials leading into this first up assignment.
4. Arapaho
The 2023 Tancred Stakes winner closed out his spring campaign with a win in the Group 2 Zipping Classic at Caulfield.
His run was excellent first up behind Fangirl in the Apollo and he’ll only improve getting out to 1600m now. Seems a ridiculous price!
5. Lindermann
The 2023 Rosehill Guineas winner can mix his form a bit but his best would see him competitive in a race of this quality.
He proved that when a narrow second behind Fangirl first up and he was doing his best work late.
6. Land Legend
Former International who had a successful first campaign in Australia when taking out the Group 1 Metropolitan and then finished third in the Caulfield Cup.
This is a big ask first up over an unsuitable distance but he’s a horse with plenty of upside.
7. Golden Path
A progressive and lightly raced five year old gelding who managed three wins in a row during the spring.
Was far from disgraced in the Apollo Stakes first up but he must be a place chance at best.
8. Via Sistina
Arguably the best mare in the world as proven with the most dominant win in the Cox Plate we have ever since at The Valley last year.
James McDonald wasn’t here to ride her first up and it probably cost her the race but this race is at her mercy with even luck.
9. Fangirl
Huge effort first up to beat a very similar field as she faces here and she’ll also take plenty of benefit out of that run.
Seven of her 10 career wins have been here at Royal Randwick and she’s drawn perfectly in barrier five.
Verdict
1st: No. 8 Via Sistina
2nd: No. 1 Ceolwulf
3rd: No. 9 Fangirl
4th: No. 5 Lindermann
Via Sistina
Each-Way
@17/20 - 3 Units
Lightning fast betting
Join with code BETSAU
18+. T&Cs apply
Related
Top Betting Sites
Betting offers
Upcoming Events
03 October 2026
- Eagle Farm- October 3 -
- Horse Racing
- Randwick- October 3 -
- Horse Racing
- Flemington- October 3 -
- Horse Racing
- Flight Stakes -
- Horse Racing
- Turnbull Stakes -
- Horse Racing
- Epsom Handicap -
- Horse Racing
17 October 2026
- The Everest -
- Horse Racing
- Caulfield Cup -
- Horse Racing
24 October 2026
- Cox Plate -
- Horse Racing
Load More
