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Racing

Sir Delius ready for showdown with Autumn Glow

Gai Waterhouse might be an eternal optimist renowned for making confident statements – but she's also a realist.

The Hall of Fame trainer is readying Sir Delius for a stellar showdown with Autumn Glow in the Group 1 $5 million Queen Elizabeth Stakes (2000m) at Royal Randwick on Saturday and wasn't about to make any outlandish predictions about the race's outcome.

Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have won 27 Group 1 races together.
Gai Waterhouse and Adrian Bott have won 27 Group 1 races together. Picture: HKJC
"I wish this race was 2400m because it would have Sir Delius's name written all over it,'' Waterhouse told Racing And Sports.

 "The only thing holding him back on Saturday is the 2000m.

"Autumn Glow will be very effective at 2000m but he will still be a little vulnerable.

"Sir Delius comes into his own when he gets to 2400m.''

AUTUMN GLOW winning the THE AGENCY GEORGE RYDER STAKES at Rosehill in Australia.
AUTUMN GLOW winning the THE AGENCY GEORGE RYDER STAKES at Rosehill in Australia. Picture: Bradley Photos
In early TAB Fixed Odds betting for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, Chris Waller's Autumn Glow is the dominant $1.40 favourite to make it 12 wins from as many starts with Sir Delius on the second line of betting alongside Aeliana at $4.50.

Waterhouse, who trains in partnership with Adrian Bott, said Sir Delius has "definitely improved" since his closing third to Aeliana and Lindermann in the Ranvet Stakes three weeks ago.

"It didn't suit him the way the race was run last time,'' she said. "But he's a 'happy chappy' and looks amazing.''

SIR DELIUS winning the TAB Turnbull Stakes at Flemington in Australia.
SIR DELIUS winning the TAB Turnbull Stakes at Flemington in Australia. Picture: Racing Photos
Sir Delius, a son of unbeaten English superhorse and sire Frankel, won the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) and Group 1 Turnbull Stakes (2000m) last spring so he is very capable over middle distances.

But Waterhouse is adamant Sir Delius will be even better when he gets out to staying trips while also admitting she is an unabashed admirer of Autumn Glow's supreme talents.

Autumn Glow, racing's "Miss Invincible", has reeled off outstanding wins in the Apollo Stakes (1400m), Verry Elleegant Stakes (1600m) and George Ryder Stakes (1500m) leading into the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

This is Autumn Glow's first attempt at 2000m – she has never raced beyond 1600m – but Waterhouse isn't one of those who believes the mare's stamina reserves will be tested on Saturday.

"I think Autumn Glow will run 2000m easily,'' Waterhouse said. "She will do it with her eyes shut!"

Waterhouse and Bott also has Vauban among Queen Elizabeth Stakes entries but they are likely to keep the stayer fresh for a Brisbane campaign aimed at the Doomben Cup and Q22.

Waterhouse is aiming for a sixth win in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes after previous successes with More Joyous (2012), Desert War (2007) and Grand Armee (2004-05).

The final field and barrier draw for Queen Elizabeth Stakes will be announced on Tuesday but Sydney's premier autumn carnival weight-for-age race is unlikely to attract more than about 10 starters.

AUTUMN GLOW winning the THE AGENCY GEORGE RYDER STAKES at Rosehill in Australia.
AUTUMN GLOW winning the THE AGENCY GEORGE RYDER STAKES at Rosehill in Australia. Picture: Bradley Photos
Waller, who has won six Queen Elizabeth Stakes with Via Sistina (2025), Winx (2017-18-19), Reliable Man (2013) and My Kingdom Of Fife (2011), could have as many as four starters in the big race with Autumn Glow's stablemates Aeliana, Lindermann and possibly Wootton Verni among entries.

English maestro William Haggas is leaning to starting both Dubai Honour and Caviar Heights after both ran pleasing races at Rosehill late last month.

Dubai Honour, who won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2023 and ran second to Via Sistina last year, is a definite starter on Saturday after pulling up well from his close second to Aeliana after a stirring, straight-long struggle in the Tancred Stakes.

AELIANA winning the KIA TANCRED STAKES at Rosehill in Australia
AELIANA winning the KIA TANCRED STAKES at Rosehill in Australia Picture: Bradley Photos
Caviar Heights ran second to Wootton Verni in the Neville Sellwood Stakes at the Tancred meeting and Haggas is favouring running the gelding in the Queen Elizabeth rather than the Sydney Cup.

Haggas certainly knows the type of horse required to win a Queen Elizabeth, having also won the race twice with Addeybb (2020-21).

Ciaron Maher has dual Australian Cup winner Light Infantry Man and possibly Gringotts set for the big race although a final decision is still to be confirmed about what race Pride Of Jenni contests on Saturday.

Pride Of Jenni famously won the Queen Elizabeth Stakes two years ago but connections are looking closely at the Group 1 $1 million Queen of the Turf Stakes for mares over 1600m.

Godolphin is considering running Tom Kitten, a third placegetter behind Via Sistina and Dubai Honour in the Queen Elizabeth Stakes last year, but it is likely Pericles will be kept for the Group 1 $1.5 million All Aged Stakes (1400m) on April 18.


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