Queen Elizabeth Stake 2022
The main Event. The Queen Elizabeth Stakes is always highly anticipated across the Championships and this race will be no different. Friday there will be plenty of rain, but none Saturday, so hopefully the track isn’t too wet come ace day but it will be Heavy. Let’s try and find the winner.
Speed Map
If Unicorn Lion lives up to his Japanese runs, he’ll be leading from the wide barrier. Numerian, Anamoe, El Patroness and Gear Up can all sit handy. Expect all of Dubai Honour, Montefilia and Zeyrek to try and find a spot quickly and not stay wide midfield. Mo’unga ad Protagonist likely near the back and Cascadian will be rounding them all up.
Key Runners
1: 
Anamoe
The champ. Even being 3 wide half the trip couldn’t stop him in the George Ryder. There’s zero to pot him on for this, from the track, to the distance, to the jockey, to Godolphin, it’s just green ticks everywhere. Yet, he’s not the favourite. You want to know exactly what you’re getting when you’re betting in the $2 range, and we know exactly that with Anamoe. Looks to get a great position in run advantage to Dubai Honour and will be very hard to beat. Top winning chance.
2: 
Dubai Honour
Was simply dominant in the Ranvet. The benchmark figure there wasn’t earth shattering but was very powerful to the line. The conditions likely at Randwick won’t be any issue either. Slightly tricky barrier, especially being outside Anamoe and if he’s slow away in this, you’re in a world of pain trying to chase him down. Completely respect his form, ability, Marquand on and the stable, but there’s a lot of unknowns for a $2.50 chance.
3: 
Alenquer
Hard to read too much into his All Star Mile performance but hard to be confident he can do anything of note here. Likely to be near last once again in this field. Has a win on the Heavy but that’s all you can be positive about. Happy to risk.
4: 
Cascadian
Australian Cup winner and weaved through the field for a terrific victory. It’s rinse and repeat though for him, where the map always makes him really hard to tip. Has talent, is clearly running just as well as he did in the Spring but is a fair price to run over the top of a field like this.
5: 
Mo’unga
Dear oh dear. Rinse and repeat for Mo’unga. Last start looked to be running well, to completely fall away, to then somehow raise another effort again. Dubai Honour won racing away though in that, and it’s hard to see Mo’unga getting to a level where he can beat the top of the market. Upset hope, but could never tip him.
6: 
Numerian
Very brave in the Australian Cup, just being run down by Cascadian late. May not lead here but will be very handy on speed and the tempo should suit. Obviously tougher class here but will have a position in run advantage on many in this. Can run well and be in the finish again at massive odds.
7: 
Unicorn Lion
What a name for a horse. The Japanese raider with Yoshito Yahagi simply has to be respected in this. Likely to lead based on how he runs overseas, has a great record at the distance and will be tough late. Track conditions are the only worry but market support has to be kept an eye on. Winning chance.
8: 
Zeyrek
Is running very well but gets a tricky barrier for this. Don’t want to completely discount but hard to see a race shape where he thrives in this and can cause an upset. Risking.
9: 
Protagonist
Never in the hunt in the Doncaster. Conditions didn’t seem to suit and it won’t be much better for him here. Happy to risk.
10: 
Gear Up
Well beaten last start and this is way harder. Odds tell the story.
11: 
Hezashocka
A decent 5th in the Australian Cup at good odds. Was tight for room along the rail but battled on. Not a great map from Barrier 1. Can run well but very difficult to see him winning.
12: 
Montefilia
Started $8 in this race last year against the some seriously talented runners including Annamoe.Bit of a hard horse to catch and hasn’t won since March last year. Conditions shouldn’t be a problem and the distance is right in her wheelhouse. Slightly tricky map from that barrier but expect Gibbons to be positive. Anywhere near her best, is a way better chance than $17. Market watch late and a small winning chance.
13: 
El Patroness
Was held up and crowded at the 400m mark last start but when she found daylight, had strong sectionals to close for the race. This is obviously a lot harder, but conditions shouldn’t worry. Expecting a decent run with Bowman on.
Betting Strategy
It’s obviously difficult to separate the top two in betting. Plenty present as upset chances, but that’s exactly what it would be if they won, an upset. I’m sticking with Anamoe in this, who is tried, tested and will be very hard to hold out no matter how the race shapes out.
