Australia: Undefeated Autumn Glow leads Queen Elizabeth
All eyes will be on unbeaten mare Autumn Glow as she looks to extend her perfect record in Friday night’s Group 1, US$3.5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick, headlining day two of The Championships.
Prepared by champion trainer Chris Waller and ridden by leading jockey James McDonald, Autumn Glow is striving for a 12th consecutive victory and has already drawn comparisons with legendary mare Winx, who famously won the race three times.
Installed a dominant 2-3 odds on favorite, Autumn Glow faces a high-quality and internationally flavored field including Dubai Honour, trained by William Haggas, who captured the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2023 and returns after finishing second in last year’s edition.
Haggas will also saddle up Caviar Heights in the feature, adding further strength to his two-pronged attack alongside Dubai Honour. Sir Delius and Aeliana ensure depth in a race that has long been a showcase for the nation’s elite middle-distance performers.
The Queen Elizabeth Stakes is one of four Group 1 features on the 10-race program.
The US$707,714 Queen of the Turf Stakes (G1) brings together a quality field of fillies and mares headlined by the exciting front-runner Pride Of Jenni, who thrilled racing fans with her victory in the 2024 Queen Elizabeth Stakes. Renowned for her bold on-speed style, she also enters the race off a narrow photo-finish defeat in the Australian Cup at Flemington two weeks ago. She should be up at the top of the market along with Lady Shenandoah and Treasurethe Moment in what promises to be a highly competitive mile contest.
The US$1.4 million Sydney Cup (G1) shapes as an open staying contest over two miles, with a capacity field set to line up. Mr Monaco heads betting in a race where leading rider Jamie Melham will be chasing a notable long-distance feature double.
In the US$707,714 million Australian Oaks (G1), the Waller-McDonald combination again holds a strong hand with favorite Ohope Wins, who will look to continue the stable’s dominant run through the Sydney Autumn Carnival. Profoundly looms as the main danger.
Among the supporting races, the Arrowfield Sprint (G2) features standout filly Tempted, who has been heavily backed following her strong performances at the top level.
Late Pick 4 pool guarantees
A $20,000 Late Pick 4 pool guarantee adds wagering appeal to the card, beginning in Race 7 with the Sydney Cup.
How to watch
FanDuel TV will deliver on-site coverage featuring Jessica Stafford and Jason Witham reporting live from Randwick. The card will be broadcast live this Friday night with first post at 9:45 p.m. EDT, 6:45 p.m. PDT alongside cards from Caulfield, Newcastle, Werribee, Doomben, Toowoomba, Morphettville and Ascot.
Fans can also access free live streaming, past performances, and expert picks for all races at SkyRacingWorld.com.
Coverage of Randwick for Horse Racing Nation is made possible through a sponsorship by Sky Racing World.