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Royal Randwick hosts one of the most anticipated races in many years this Saturday at The Championships Day 2 – Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes Day.
The world's highest-rated horse Addeybb returns to take on Verry Elleegant, Australia's eight-time Group 1 winner, in the Group 1 $4 million Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes.
Addeybb, prepared by leading UK trainer W J Haggas, defends his crown from last year's Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes, in which Verry Elleegant ran second.
The Chris Waller-trained Verry Elleegant defeated Addeybb at their last start in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes, setting up the ultimate return clash in Sydney's richest autumn race.
Verry Elleegant to be ridden by J D Mcdonald is the $2.60 TAB favourite ahead of Addeybb, with top UK jockey Tom Marquand aboard, at $2.80.
Sir Dragonet, off a last-start KIA Tancred Stakes victory for trainers Ciaron Maher & David Eustace and jockey Glen Boss, is at $6.50 ahead of Mugatoo, trained by Kris Lees and ridden by Hugh Bowman, at $7.50.
The Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes is one of four Group 1 races this Saturday as Royal Randwick prepares for a second consecutive sold-out crowd for The Star Championships.
Australian Turf Club Executive General Manager Racing and Wagering, James Ross said Saturday's Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes was the highlight of a world-class card.
"We are very pleased with the quality across all races and the Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes stands out as one of the races of the year anywhere in the world," Mr Ross said.
"The return clash of Addeybb and Verry Elleegant along with a Cox Plate and Tancred Stakes champion in Sir Dragonet shapes as a classic moment in Royal Randwick history.
"The depth of Australia's staying fillies in The Star Australian Oaks taking on New Zealand's best in Amarelinha is amongst the strongest in many years."
William Haggas has a second leading chance from the UK on Saturday with Favourite Moon ($5.50) leading the market in the $2 million Schweppes Sydney Cup for jockey Kerrin Mcevoy.
In a wide-open betting market in the 16-horse field, Realm Of Flowers for trainers A & S Freedman and jockey Damien Thornton is at $6 ahead of Southern France for Ciaron Maher and David Eustace and leading Sydney jockey James McDonald.
Ms Rachel King is riding to become the first female jockey to win in the race's long history aboard She's Ideel ($7.50) for trainer Bjorn Baker.
The Mark Newnham -trained Harmony Rose is the $3.40 TAB favourite for jockey Josh Parr in the $1 million The Star Australian Oaks ahead of Montefilia ($4.80) for trainer David Payne and jockey Jason Collett.
Kiwi filly Amarelinha for leading New Zealand trainer Jamie Richards and jockey Opie Bosson is at $5, along with Hungry Heart , a last start Group 1 winner of the Vinery Stakes for Chris Waller and jockey Kerrin McEvoy at $5.
The Jamie Richards-trained Probabeel with Kerrin McEvoy is a $2.50 TAB favourite in the Group 1 $1 million Moet & Chandon Queen Of The Turf Stakes. She is looking to take a second big Royal Randwick mile after winning last year's TAB Epsom.
Iron Jack Golden Eagle and Australian Oaks winner Colette is at $7 for trainer James Cummings and jockey James McDonald along with Odeum trained by Mick Price & Michael Kent Jnr. and ridden by Michael Walker.
The Royal Randwick track was rated a Soft 5 on Thursday morning and is expected to be a Good 4 later in the day. For all ticketing, racing and general information including tickets for the upcoming Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival go to theraces.com.au
