WORLD’S BEST CLASH IN $5 MILLION QUEEN ELIZABETH STAKES

9 April, 2025

Australia’s highest rated race the Group 1 $ 5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes is one of four Group 1 events on Day Two of The Star Championships at Royal Randwick this Saturday.

A world-class field of 15 runners in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes includes Australia’s highest rated galloper Via Sistina taking on horses from the UK and Japan in a race to be watched in 69 countries.

Via Sistina is looking to win a seventh Group 1 in a racing season – a feat only matched in Australia by the immortal Winx.

Australia’s best jockeys lead by James McDonald take on world-renowned riders in Japan-based French star Christophe Lemaire and the UK’s Tom Marquand, adding further international focus.

Saturday’s 10-race card also features the 160^th running of the Group 1 $ 2 million Schweppes Sydney Cup, Group 1 $1 million Asahi Super Dry Australian Oaks and Group 1 $ 1 million TAB Queen Of Turf Stakes.

Australian Turf Club Head Of Racing and Wagering Nevesh Ramdhani said Royal Randwick was set to host another full card of world-class racing.

“The eyes of the world will be on Royal Randwick for one of the greatest days of the year anywhere in international racing,’’ Mr Ramdhani said.

“Capacity fields in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and Schweppes Sydney Cup will provide just two spectacular sights down the famous Royal Randwick straight.

“Leading stables and jockeys from across Australia and the world are in Sydney for almost $13 million in prizemoney on the one day.

“All ten races at Royal Randwick will also be part of the World Pool which will offer TAB punters bigger pools to wager into.’’

Full fields for Royal Randwick are available here and full TAB markets are found here.

Via Sistina is $1-90-$1.85 TAB favourite for Chris Waller as Sydney’s champion trainer shoots for his sixth victory in the race.

Dubai Honour ($6 TAB) for UK mentor William Haggas and jockey Marquand looks to win a second Queen Elizabeth Stakes (won in 2023) and join a rare honour roll of just five other horses to win the race on multiple occasions.

Japanese runner Rousham Park for trainer Hiroyasu Tanaka and jockey Lemaire is at $15 TAB for the iconic Northern Farm establishment. It also has Geoglyph trained by Tetsuya Kimura with Damien Lane aboard.

The Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott runner Alalcance with jockey Tim Clark is a heavily-backed $2.50-$2.30 TAB favourite in the Schweppes Sydney Cup in a field of 20 runners.

Zardozi (James Cummings/Kerrin McEvoy) and Birdman (Chris Waller/Zac Lloyd) are next in TAB betting at $8.50.

For all racing, general and ticketing information go to theraces.com.au

 AUSTRALIAN TURF CLUB MEDIA CONTACT:

Brett de Vine

0419 613 455

bdevine@theATC.com.au