Queen Elizabeth Stakes Tips - Via Sistina to stamp authority in Queen Elizabeth Stakes

The reigning Cox Plate (2040m) champion, Via Sistina, is the short priced favourite and is aiming for a hat-trick after wins in the Group 1 Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) and Ranvet Stakes (2000m).

The Chris Waller mare looks poised to continue her dominant form and will jump from barrier 1 with James McDonald to steer. A win would see her equal Winx's Australian record of seven Group 1 wins in a single season. 

The UK galloper, Dubai Honour, looms as the danger and picked up this race in 2023. The seven-year-old is in excellent form after winning the Tancred Stakes (2400m) earlier this month. His trainer, William Haggas, has a successful track record in the race and is hoping for another win with Dubai Honour. 

Other notable runners include Joe Pride’s Ceolwulf, who has shown consistent form but faces a challenge from a difficult barrier draw. Chris Waller also fields five horses, including dual acceptor Fangirl, while the Japanese galloper, Rousham Park, adds a bit of X-factor 

Other chances include the recent Australian Cup (2000m) winner, Light Infantry Man, as well as the runner-up out of that, Deny Knowledge.  

Deny Knowledge is a likely leader and will push across from barrier 10. Full Count Felicia might tuck in behind, while Geoglyph, Middle Earth and Rousham Park are expected to be prominent. 

McDonald wont want to be too far back on the inside aboard Via Sistina. Fangirl, Fawkner Park, Ceolwulf and Dubai Honour are among those that might get back. 

Via Sistina is a clear top pick. She can cement her standing as a champion galloper with victory here and it was at this stage of her last preparation that she really exploded, smashing Winx’ track record in the Cox Plate, going a healthy 23.4 lengths faster than standard benchmark. Any concern about the inside barrier can be offset by the fact that she will be ridden by one of the best in the world in McDonald, while I expect the field to string out a bit in the early to middle stages, which will open up the gaps for her to slide into the running line. 

Have to respect Dubai Honour but each-way value lies with both Buckaroo and Deny Knowledge. Of that duo, Deny Knowledge might be the one to consider, heading into this third up. She comes out of an Australian Cup that was run at a hot tempo with Pride Of Jenni taking up the running. The seven-year-old jumped awkwardly and was forced to work early then did all the chasing behind Pride Of Jenni, carting the field up before Light Infantry Man took over. She did well to stick on at her second run this time in, stepping up from the 1600m. Big figures out of that race with the winner going 21.7 lengths faster than standard. Unlike her last meeting with Via Sistina when dropping out of it in the Champions Stakes (2000m), Deny Knowledge is more on the fresh side, which should suit. Expect her to be in this for a long way.