Waller's top 5 faces tough task in QE Stakes

CHAMPION trainer Chris Waller has the same number of runners in the Queen Elizabeth as he did the Doncaster, but the odds say he's facing a massive task to repeat his phenomenal “first four” from last Saturday. Waller’s most favoured of his five runners in Saturday’s $4 million feature is Doncaster runner-up Royal Descent, who is $8 fourth favourite. Next is Boban at $9.50, who was scratched from the Doncaster because of the heavy ground. His other runners are: $11 Hawkspur (fourth in the Doncaster), $13 Sacred Falls (Doncaster winner) and $101 My Kingdom Of Fife (10^th in Doncaster).

Just as there was in the Doncaster, tab.com.au has opened a “First Waller Horse Home” market for the Queen Elizabeth.

“It’s pretty open with Royal Descent favourite at $2.70 from Boban at $3.80, Hawkspur at $4.20 and Sacred Falls at $4.40. My Kingdom Of Fife is the rank outsider at $26,” TAB’s Adam Hamilton said.

“The step to 2000m makes it interesting with: Boban untried at the trip; Sacred Falls having run second at his only try; Hawkspur boasting five of his seven careers wins between 1800-2200m, Royal Descent having one win from two tries and the even My Kingdom Of Fife having 10 tries at 2000m for five wins, a second and three thirds.”

There is also a head-to-head on the Queen Elizabeth with Gai Waterhouse’s Carlton House $1.65 against Roger James’ rampaging mare Silent Achiever at $2.10.

In the Sydney Cup, the first big bet since the barrier draw was $10,000 at $12 on Voleuse De Coeurs (now $11) this morning. Gai Waterhouse’s The Offer is the $2.80 favourite from Auckland Cup winner Who Shot Thebarman ($6).

TAB’S LATEST MARKETS

FIRST WALLER HORSE HOME

$2.70 Royal Descent

$3.80 Boban

$4.20 Hawkspur

$4.40 Sacred Falls

$26 My Kingdom Of Fife

HEAD/HEADS

QUEEN ELIZABETH

$1.65 Carlton House

$2.10 Silent Achiever

SYDNEY CUP

$1.35 The Offer

$3 Who Shot The Barman

QUEEN ELIZABETH/SYDNEY CUP LATEST