British invaders have landed with purpose, with Newmarket handler William Haggas set for a two-pronged attack on the $5 million Group 1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick.
Haggas has both Dubai Honour and Caviar Heights primed for Saturday’s marquee event, the centrepiece of The Championships, aiming to build on his impressive Australian achievements.
Dubai Honour enters after a gallant runner-up finish to Aeliana in the Tancred Stakes (2400m), having set the pace for most of the race before getting collared close to home.
Stepping back to 2000 metres for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, he looms as a key player and gets Tom Marquand aboard again from gate five in the field of eight.
During the Tancred, Marquand tried to control proceedings upfront, yet James McDonald on Aeliana judged his challenge ideally, snatching the prize on the wire.
The team is now fitting blinkers to hone Dubai Honour ahead of this return clash.
“Hopefully they’ll sharpen him up,’’ said travelling assistant trainer Issy Paul.
“He’s an older horse now and was bounced out of his run, but I’m happy where he’s at so we’ll give it a good crack.”
“He’s a phenomenal horse, he rarely runs a bad race ever and we’ve got him in a really good place.”
Paul recognised the test from track conditions and rivals.
“Sometimes the ground might not suit them, and it’s looking like a quick track on Saturday, but you can’t duck and dive. We’ve flown halfway across the world and it’s important we run.”
Dubai Honour seeks a sixth Group 1 success, with a ledger of 36 outings for 10 triumphs, 12 placings second and two thirds, prize money nearing $10 million.
Haggas’s other entry, Caviar Heights, sits at $125 but offers strong overseas credentials, highlighted by a placing in the Neville Sellwood Stakes on Aussie debut.
The five-year-old Sea The Stars gelding picks up Zac Lloyd in the saddle and draws gate four, immediately inside his yard companion.
Although the overseas hopefuls bring excitement, attention centres on undefeated sensation Autumn Glow.
The $1.45 market elect, under Chris Waller and with James McDonald riding, starts from barrier two pursuing an extraordinary 12th consecutive victory.
Australian Turf Club interim CEO Steve McMahon captured the event’s essence.
“History isn’t something you watch later. It’s something you show up for,” McMahon said.
“This week at Royal Randwick, Autumn Glow chases her place in racing folklore. Be there. Feel it. Be part of it.”
“Racegoers are starting to embrace Autumn Glow like none other since Winx, and she can create her own history on Saturday if she remains unbeaten.”
Punters looking for the best prices on the Queen Elizabeth Stakes should check leading Australian betting sites.