The confrontation pitting Aeliana against Dubai Honour delivered a memorable battle featuring two top weight-for-age competitors operating at their highest level.
Aeliana summoned extra effort to chase down Dubai Honour and secure the Group 1 Tancred Stakes (2400m) at Rosehill Gardens on Saturday, as both contenders boosted their credentials in an exhilarating conclusion.
Hall of Fame handler Chris Waller compared Aeliana to his past star Verry Elleegant, as the visiting English horse Dubai Honour proved that experience doesn’t hinder top-class efforts.
This represented weight-for-age competition in its most spectacular form – a pair of premier stayers engaged in a captivating struggle, steered by two elite riders implementing daring strategies.
Tom Marquand seized control on Dubai Honour by opting to set the pace, compelling James McDonald to settle Aeliana right behind in second spot and maintain proximity to her key opponent.
The strategy almost succeeded. Entering the straight, Marquand let Dubai Honour stride away, establishing a three-length advantage and looking set to steal victory.
However, Aeliana was not yielding. With McDonald aboard, she steadily closed the gap on the frontrunner, grinding him down step by step until prevailing right on the line.
“I was worried from the 300m to the 100m but Aeliana was very brave,” Waller said.
“It’s hard to beat a (William) Haggas horse when they’re being set for a race as Mr Haggas does.
“He shows us what training’s all about when he comes down here. We knew we had to be on top of our game.”
The Tancred Stakes has delivered numerous unforgettable showdowns – from Octagonal’s renowned triumph over Arkady in 1997 to Makybe Diva’s charge beyond Grand Armee in 2005 – yet this race stands out as one of the greatest.
Aeliana ($1.70 favourite) held on by a short head from Dubai Honour ($3.60), with Vauban ($7) some five lengths further back in third position.
The success marked McDonald’s 10th Group 1 victory this season, but it was anything but routine.
“I had to be pretty patient on Aeliana because I learned a bit on her the other day,” McDonald said.
“I thought even though it wasn’t ideal letting them get so far in front, I had confidence that the mare would pick him up.
“Once she balances up, then she finds.”
McDonald conceded he would have liked protection but needed to adjust to Marquand’s surprising lead tactics.
“It wasn’t my plan to give him so much of a head start, but I just waited and waited for her to be ready and when she was ready she just exploded,” he said.
“At the 300m, I could feel her building underneath me. I just felt if I went earlier, I would’ve been out of my comfort zone. It was a chance I was willing to take and I’m glad it paid off.”
Marquand explained the bold plan was intentional.
“We kind of knew what would happen if we just sat and did what we normally do,” he said.
“We tried something different and it nearly worked, but the filly was very good.”
Dubai Honour’s travelling assistant trainer Issy Paul shared a similar view.
“It’s disappointing to lose but he’s run a great race. I’m very proud of him.”
Aeliana, bought for $180,000 by Denise Martin of Star Thoroughbreds, now boasts six wins from 18 outings, three at Group 1 level, and earnings exceeding $4.3 million.
Her success formed a Group 1 brace following her win in the Ranvet Stakes, prompting thoughts of another start in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Randwick.
“She’s had two solid runs, we’ll see how the Queen Elizabeth fits in,” Waller said.
“She’ll be here for another two years so there’s plenty to look forward to. Who knows, she might be the next Verry Elleegant.”
Dubai Honour plans to target the same event, which he captured three years prior.
“By English standards it’s a quick turnaround, but that’s the plan,” Paul confirmed.
Betting fans can explore racing odds for the Tancred Stakes and future autumn carnivals via trusted online bookmakers.