Queen Elizabeth Stakes Tips & Predictions

We will have expert tips for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes available when the final-field markets are released by bookmakers.

Futures markets are open for The Championships Day 2 feature in the months leading up to the $4 million feature.

This race was first run in 1851 as the Queens Plate but was changed to the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 1954 after Queen Elizabeth II visited Australia.

The Queen was present to watch Blue Ocean win in 1954 and it was a track record at the time. 

It was originally raced over more distance, but there was decline in staying races throughout the 20th century which forced the Australian Turf Club to change it from 3200m, 2400m and then 2000m.

The Championships committee decided the make it the marquee race on Day 2 of The Championships and it has only grown in stakes and popularity since.

It's the main target for most of Australia's best middle-distance horses and champion mare Winx decided to run in 2017, as opposed to the Doncaster Mile.

The past winners' list is an honour roll of Australia greats. Names such as Tulloch, Rough Habit, Might And Power, Desert War and Winx have all graced the trophy.

It's also a stallion-making race with the likes of Reliable Man, Dundeel, Road to Rock and Lonhro all having success in the breeding barn following their successful careers.

The Queen Elizabeth Stakes is often won by a well-fancied runner, but punters often get good odds for the winner.

That rule didn't apply when Winx won by 5.3 lengths as the $1.13 favourite in 2017, but punters were able to get $8 for top New Zealand mare Lucia Valentina the year prior.

Lindsay Park lined up Criterion to victory in 2015 and the top stallion paid $5 with bookmakers. That field included international raiders Red Cadeaux, Tosen Stardom and Adelaide in one of the more international editions of the race.

It's A Dundeel was another Kiwi runner to come over and get success during The Championships. Known as simply Dundeel in New Zealand, the then four-year-old produced a big run to defeat multiple Doncaster Handicap winner Sacred Falls and the Queen's horse, Carlton House.

Reliable Man caused a minor upset at $12 in 2013, but there's one thing in common with most of the recent winners. They're all either top thoroughbreds at the time or turn into top stallion prospects.

When looking at the odds for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes, look for the runners which have plenty of racing left in store and aren't coming to the end of their campaigns.

The Group 1 Ranvet Stakes is a common path towards the Queen Elizabeth Stakes.

Three-year-old's often contest the Australian Derby or the Rosehill Guineas before entering The Championships feature.

The Doncaster Mile could be an option, but it's not an easy task to run twice in seven days at the top level in Australia, so most decide to choose between the two.

More Joyous won the Doncaster Mile before winning the Queen Elizabeth Stakes in 2012.

Winx chose to run in the George Ryder Stakes as her lead-up.