Tancred Stakes Racing Tips - Can Aeliana hold out Dubai Honour in the Rosehill feature?

The Ranvet Stakes is again a key lead-up, with Aeliana producing the standout performance of any runner last start, stamping herself as a major player stepping back up to a distance where she has already proven dominant.

Dubai Honour returns as a proven international performer with an exceptional Sydney profile, having already won this race first-up previously before backing it up at the elite level. The Sky High Stakes also feeds into the race, with Vauban winning well first-up, while River Of Stars brings elite staying credentials off strong spring performances in the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup.

The race typically rewards genuine stayers with tactical versatility, and with several runners capable of settling in forward or midfield positions, it should develop into a true staying contest from the 800m onwards.

Even to moderate tempo expected with no clear leader, which should allow several runners to settle comfortably in forward positions. Aeliana maps to land in the first half of the field, while Dubai Honour gets a soft run just off the speed.

Vauban and Piggyback settle midfield, with River Of Stars slightly closer than midfield from her draw, allowing her to build into the race. Backmarkers will need to make sustained runs from the 800m, placing an emphasis on stamina rather than sprinting ability.

Dubai Honour profiles as the most reliable and proven runner in the field, particularly under these conditions. His previous Australian preparation showcased his ability to travel, adapt and perform at the highest level, including a first-up victory in this race last year at a strong rating before backing it up against elite competition in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

What stands out with him is his consistency at Group 1 level over staying trips, combined with his ability to perform fresh, which is a significant edge in a race where several key rivals are either coming off tough runs or still building into their campaigns. His racing pattern allows him to settle in a perfect stalking position just off the speed, conserving energy before building into the race from the 800m.

With a proven 2400m profile, strong international form and a stable that consistently places horses to peak in Australian targets, he sets the benchmark and looks the most dependable option in a race that often tests both stamina and class.

River Of Stars profiles as the key value runner, particularly getting to 2400m where her best performances have been produced. Her spring form behind top-tier stayers in both the Caulfield Cup and Melbourne Cup reads extremely well for a race of this nature, and she now looks ready to peak third-up into this assignment.

From a favourable midfield position, she should be able to track into the race without giving away a start, and her ability to sustain a long run makes her well suited if the race develops into a true staying test. In a race where many runners are either first-up or still building fitness, she brings a proven staying profile and represents excellent value at odds.28