Could we witness yet another Japanese domination in one of our premier Group 1 races? If betting is any guide the answer is yes, with the Queen Elizabeth favourite heavily backed in early markets.
A gun filly has also been warmly supported by punters in the Coolmore Legacy, however this appears to be a deep race. I expect a horse arriving from a different form-line to come out on top here.
Day 2 of The Championships certainly poses plenty of questions for punters.
For the latest insight into how the Randwick track is expected to play, read our preview of the ATC Oaks and Sydney Cup here.
The Map
Long price chance Gailo Chop (10) only has one hope of winning and that is to lead throughout, so you can expect them to be hell-bent on finding the front here. Addeybb (1) should sit outside the leader or tuck in just behind.
Verry Elleegant (2) is another who can push forward to be in the first four. Expect her to receive 'run of the race' favours throughout.
With the wraps on Danon Premium, the rider will most likely want to be in the moving line with cover. Three wide may still be ok if he's as good as they say.
I expect a moderate tempo in this year's Queen Elizabeth Stakes, with the ideal travelling position for runners just forward of midfield. Those travelling worse than midfield should also have their chance to run on.
The Favourite
Japanese raider Danon Premium ($3.50) carries a huge boom and has been very well supported in early betting ($4.00 into $3.50).
The best guide here will be the late fluctuations, where we could see a repeat of the 2019 Cox Plate price haemorrhage of Lys Gracieux. On that occasion, the horse was backed as if unbeatable and duly suited.
Although it is very hard to line-up his form, if there is a strong push close to jump he is likely to be far too good for these.
Analysis and Race Tips
Trust that the Japanese have brought the right horse here and they do have an ultra impressive recent record in our big feature races. Danon Premium must go on top.
Of the locals, expect Master Of Wine to measure up in this class. He's our most exciting Spring prospect and future Cox Plate and Cups hopeful.
Te Akau Shark was not suited last time out when they simply went far too slow up front, and he was set an impossible task to win from back in the field and racing wide. He could easily bounce back to winning form.
Verry Elleegant is racing in career best form and gets an ideal run from gate 2. If she settles throughout, expect her to go close.
The Map
This year's Coolmore Legacy shapes as a fast run race, with speed drawn across the field and a number of tempo related tactics likely to be at play.
Expect Funstar (13) to race in a forward position, given the lightweight and significant drop back in distance to 1600m.
Positive Peace (17) will be forced to carve across from the outside draw to take up an on-speed position, with both Con Te Partiro (10) and Amangiri (11) hunting up from their mid draws.
The Favourite
Funstar ($2.80) looks a weighted certainty with only 54.5kg under the Weight For Age conditions, however this does look a strong edition of the race and she won't have it all her own way.
Punters have warmed to the good filly in early betting and taken the opening $3.10 that was on offer. However, I expect her to face speed map challenges from gate 13 and J Mac will need to be at his best to secure the right run in transit.
The current price looks under the odds and I would suggest plenty of $3+ will be available come start time.
Analysis and Race Tips
Although the boom filly Funstar ($2.80) is a must include, I am against her at the price. I will be focussing on the different form of Miss Siska ($13), who receives a dream run from gate 1 and can suck up in behind for the entire trip.
Nettoyer ($9.50) returns as the Doncaster Mile Champion from The Championships Day 1, and if the speed goes on she will be rattling home from well back again.
Throw in Sweet Deal ($17), who may take a sit just in behind on this occasion and finish off well.