Saturday Summary: Sir Delius stuns Autumn Glow in Queen Elizabeth upset

Cover image courtesy of The Image Is Everything

Sir Delius topples Autumn Glow in Queen Elizabeth shock

In one of the upsets of the carnival, Sir Delius (GB) (Frankel {GB}) brought an end to Autumn Glow’s (The Autumn Sun) unbeaten streak with a commanding victory in the G1 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Randwick.

With plenty of pre-race focus on whether Autumn Glow would see out the 2000 metres, the race was run in a manner that ensured it would be a genuine test. Light Infantry Man (Fast Company {Ire}) and Caviar Heights (Sea The Stars {Ire}) rolled forward to set a strong tempo, with Sir Delius settling perfectly in third in clear air under Craig Williams.

Autumn Glow was positioned just behind him, travelling comfortably in the early and middle stages, while Dubai Honour (Ire) (Pride Of Dubai) tracked her every move. In contrast, Lindermann (Lonhro) was snagged back to last in a notable tactical shift from his usual on-speed pattern.

The race began to take shape approaching the home turn as Caviar Heights quickly dropped out, leaving Sir Delius to stride up and challenge Light Infantry Man. At the 400 metres, Sir Delius had quickly asserted control, while Autumn Glow was asked to quicken in pursuit.

However, the response was not as explosive as it had been throughout her unbeaten run.

While she battled on gamely, Autumn Glow was unable to match the sustained speed of the leader, with Sir Delius continuing to find under pressure and extending clear over the final furlong. In the closing stages, Lindermann charged late from the rear to grab second on the line, relegating Autumn Glow to third as she peaked on her run late.

Sir Delius scored by 2¼ lengths in a decisive victory, with the performance highlighting both his class and his ability to sustain a strong gallop at 2000 metres, while also exposing the query around Autumn Glow’s stamina at the trip.

Trainer Adrian Bott, speaking on behalf of the Waterhouse & Bott partnership, said the race had long been the target.

“This is the one that counted. We kept the focus on this race and today was the right set-up,” Bott said.

“Craig executed it perfectly. He had him in a beautiful rhythm and when it was time to go, he responded like a top-class horse.”

Williams’ ride proved crucial, positioning Sir Delius in the ideal stalking role behind the speed before asking for a sustained effort at the right time.

The win marked a return to the top level for Sir Delius, adding another Group 1 to a record that already included elite victories in the Turnbull Stakes and Underwood Stakes during the spring.

For Autumn Glow, it was a brave performance in defeat, with jockey James McDonald noting the testing nature of the race.

“They really stretched it from a long way out. She travelled beautifully but just couldn’t quite sustain it late,” McDonald said.

The result not only brought an end to her winning streak at 11, but also left open the question of her optimum distance moving forward.

Sales info: Sir Delius was purchased for 1.3 million guineas at the 2024 Tattersalls Autumn Horses in Training Sale by De Burgh Equine, McKeever Bloodstock and Go Bloodstock.

Pedigree info: By Frankel (GB), Sir Delius is out of Whatami (GB) (Daylami {Ire}), a mare from a deep international family. He is a brother to Listed winner and Group 2-placed Juan Elcano and a half-brother to Group 3 winner Nkosikazi (Cape Cross). The family also includes Champion US turf mare Uni (More Than Ready {USA}) and traces back to the influential sire lines of Invincible Spirit (Ire) and Pride Of Dubai.

Changingoftheguard causes Sydney Cup boilover

In a dramatic renewal of the G1 Sydney Cup over 3200 metres, Changingoftheguard (Ire) (Galileo {Ire}) produced a bold front-running performance to land a surprise victory in the staying feature at Randwick.

Sent straight to the front by Jason Collett, the Kris Lees-trained gelding dictated terms throughout, bowling along at his own leisure while the field settled into stride behind him. With the tempo steady, most runners were allowed to find their rhythm without undue pressure through the early and middle stages.

Approaching the 600 metres, the race began to take shape as race favourite River Of Stars (Ire) (Sea The Stars {Ire}) launched a sweeping move around the field, quickly joined by Newlook (New Bay {GB}) as they ranged up to momentarily apply pressure and edge into the lead. For a brief moment, it appeared the challengers had the momentum.

However, Changingoftheguard refused to yield.

Kicking back tenaciously along the inside, the 7-year-old dug deep when headed, regaining his rhythm and surging again before the turn. Straightening still in front, he continued to fight under Jason Collett’s urgings and found plenty when challenged late.

Launching from the rear, Soul Of Spain (Phoenix Of Spain {Ire}) emerged as the late danger, while Highland Bling (Ire) (Highland Reel {Ire}) continued to work into the finish down the outside. But the leader kept responding.

In a desperately tight finish, Changingoftheguard held on by a half-neck over Soul Of Spain, with Highland Bling a short-neck away in third.

At $51, it was a major boilover, with the firm surface and the return of blinkers proving decisive in a striking turnaround for the former Aidan O’Brien-trained stayer.

Trainer Kris Lees said the gear change had been deliberately saved for the right target.

“We saved the blinkers, we said after the Melbourne Cup we’d wait for Sydney,” Lees said.

“It was a good plan and he just switched on today. He looks after himself a bit in the wet, but on this firmer ground he was much sharper.”

Jockey Jason Collett was able to dictate terms from the front and was full of praise for the gelding’s toughness.

“It was very lonely down the back, I loved it though,” Collett said.

“He got into a good rhythm and when they came to him he really fought. That’s what gave me confidence, he just didn’t want to let them go.”

The victory adds another international staying success to the gelding’s résumé, which already included stakes wins in both the UK and Ireland under Aidan O’Brien, before continuing his Australian campaign with Team Williams and Kris Lees.

Now a winner of five races from 22 starts Changingoftheguard has now earnt more than $2 million in prizemoney.

Sales info: Bred by B V Sangster, Changingoftheguard was retained through his early career in Europe before being acquired for Australian ownership interests following his European racing campaign.

Pedigree info: A son of Galileo (Ire), Changingoftheguard is out of Lady Lara (Ire) (Excellent Art {GB}), a stakes-producing mare who has already left multiple black type performers and hails from the family of Footstepsinthesand (GB), Pedro The Great (Henrythenavigator {Ire}), Curvy (Galileo {Ire}) and Power, a pedigree rich in Classic and Group 1 performers across Europe.

Idle Flyer breaks through for maiden Group 1 in Queen Of The Turf

The G1 Queen Of The Turf Stakes produced a career-defining moment for Idle Flyer (Dundeel {NZ}), who stormed over the top of a high-class field to claim her maiden Group 1 victory in a thrilling finish at Randwick.

As anticipated, Pride Of Jenni (Pride Of Dubai) rolled forward to take control of the race, setting a solid tempo and quickly establishing herself at the head of affairs. Lady Shenandoah (Snitzel) and Treasurethe Moment (Almanzor {Fr}) settled in close attendance, ensuring the three leading contenders dictated terms through the middle stages in a genuine staying mile.

Mid-race, Pride Of Jenni injected her customary pressure, surging clear to open up a six length break on the field as she attempted to turn the race into a true endurance test. For a brief moment, it looked as though she might again take catching.

However, approaching the turn Pride of Jenni began to feel the pressure of the sustained effort. Lady Shenandoah travelled strongly into contention, while Treasurethe Moment loomed up ominously, poised to strike as the field balanced up.

But it was Idle Flyer who had been quietly stalking the trio throughout.

Given a perfectly timed ride by Zac Lloyd, she travelled directly behind the leading group, conserving energy while the leading hopes set the tempo. As they straightened and the gaps appeared, she was produced at the perfect moment and quickly asserted herself.

Letting down sharply, Idle Flyer swept down the centre of the track and ranged up to the leaders before surging away to score by ¾ of a length from Lady Shenandoah, with Treasurethe Moment a further neck away in third.

It was a breakthrough moment at the elite level, with Idle Flyer landing her first Group 1 after a steadily building preparation that suggested she was ready to peak over the mile.

Trainer Matthew Smith admitted post-race that while confidence was high in her progression, the top-level breakthrough exceeded expectations.

“I just can’t believe she’s won a Group 1,” Smith said.

“I knew she was going good but I didn’t think she’d win that. It means a lot to us.”

Smith also pointed to the race shape and execution as key factors in the result.

“We were just hoping to get home over the top of them, and everything just worked out perfectly on the day,” he said.

Zac Lloyd, who delivered a poised and confident ride, was quick to highlight the mare’s ability to travel and finish strongly in elite company.

“That was a proper horse race,” Lloyd said.

“She got a lovely run and when she presented, she really let down. To win a Group 1 in that company is pretty special.”

The victory elevates Idle Flyer to Group 1 status for the first time, marking a significant milestone in a career that has continued to trend upward with each preparation. Now a dual stakes winner, she has firmly announced herself on the elite stage.

Idle Flyer is now the winner of eight races from 15 starts and now earnt more than $1.1 million in prizemoney.

Sales info: Idle Flyer was purchased for $70,000 from the Inglis Classic Sale draft of Torryburn Stud by Matthew Smith Racing / Randwick Bloodstock Agency, racing for a large ownership group of stable clients.

Pedigree info: By Dundeel (NZ), Idle Flyer is the best of three winners from Street Cry (Ire) mare Progressive, a full sister to the dam of Group 1 winner Tom Kitten (Harry Angel {Ire}) and stakes winners Va Via (Astern) and Promotions (Exceed and Excel).

Ohope Wins claims Oaks double

Pre-race there were queries around tempo, tactics and whether the 2026 renewal of the G1 Australian Oaks would truly test stamina, but in the end it was the proven stayer who prevailed as Ohope Wins (NZ) (Ocean Park {NZ}) powered home to claim the Randwick classic.

Settling well back in the field, some 15 lengths off the leader, Ohope Wins was afforded a patient and confident ride by James McDonald, who resisted any urge to improve early. With the speed on – contrary to many expectations – the race quickly developed into a genuine staying test, bringing the Kiwi filly right into contention.

As the field rounded the bend, runners fanned across the track looking to make their moves, with Profoundly (Farnan) surging to the front at the 250 metres after backing up off her dominant Adrian Knox Stakes victory. For a brief moment it looked as though that formline would again prevail, but Ohope Wins had tracked into the race smoothly behind the pack and was just beginning to lengthen.

Angling into clear running off the back of After Summer (The Autumn Sun), Ohope Wins let down powerfully, her superior stamina coming to the fore over the final furlong. She surged past Profoundly late to score by a long neck, with After Summer fighting on gamely a further half-head away in third in a tightly contested finish.

In a race where the Vinery Stakes form had been questioned due to its sit-and-sprint nature, the step to 2400 metres proved decisive. Ohope Wins, already a Group 1 winner over the trip in the New Zealand Oaks, relished the stronger tempo and was able to demonstrate her staying credentials in full.

Trainer Chris Waller was quick to acknowledge the foundations laid before the filly arrived in his care.

“I can’t take all the credit, obviously I’ve been trusted by Yulong. Lance O’Sullivan did a great job with her prior to coming to me plus they gave me a hand with her as well,” Waller said.

“Maybe we got it a little bit simple first-up (in the Vinery), I think she just needed the run. Speaking with Lance O’Sullivan, the confidence he had in her, he said she’s one of the best horses that he’s ever had to deal with so it’s a pretty big comment.”

James McDonald’s ride proved pivotal, with the jockey adapting to the race shape as it unfolded.

“They ran it really quickly so it suited her down to the ground. Obviously on paper it didn’t look that way, but I always had a plan to ride her quiet,” McDonald said.

“It didn’t go well last start, it was a slowly run race. She’s gritty, she’s a very gritty filly. It was going to be the toughest stayer and that’s exactly what she was.”

The victory continued a strong season for the filly, taking her record to four wins from eight starts and adding a second Group 1 to her resume.

Sales info: A private sale by Yulong from her breeder Gartshore Bloodstock.

Pedigree info: Ohope Wins is only winner from four runners for Choux Mania (NZ) (Redoute’s Choice) who is a half-sister to Horse Of The Year and five-time Group 1 winner and sire Jimmy Choux (NZ).

Far too classy: Tempted dominates Arrowfield Sprint

There were pre-race queries around whether the speed map would play against her, but in the end it proved little more than a minor inconvenience as Tempted (Street Boss {USA}) confirmed her class with a dominant win in the G2 Arrowfield 3YO Sprint at Randwick.

Jumping from barrier 8, Tempted was forced to settle midfield under Chad Schofield, stalking the pace rather than enjoying a perfect trailing position. Despite that, the filly travelled sweetly throughout, her rider confident to bide his time as the field turned for home.

Devil Night (Extreme Choice) had taken control on straightening and quickly established a break, appearing to have stolen a march on his rivals. Behind him, runners were already coming under pressure, but Tempted was still cruising, waiting to be asked.

Once angled to the outside, the response was immediate.

Producing her trademark acceleration, Tempted quickly reeled in the leader, her explosive turn of foot putting the race beyond doubt in a matter of strides. She surged past Devil Night inside the final 200 metres before drawing clear to score by 1¼ lengths, with Grafterburners (Graff) finishing off well along the inside for third.

Already a Group 1 winner in the Surround Stakes (1400 metres) last start, Tempted continued to build upon her imposing record and signalled the 1200 metres is clearly her best trip.

Trainer Ciaron Maher was quick to highlight her continued development and the condition in which she presented.

“She came into our stable in super order and she just furnishes and develops. This was her target race and she presented perfect,” Maher said.

“What she’s already done in the short amount of time… she just keeps going to another level each time she runs.”

Maher also indicated that bigger targets loom later in the year, with going one better than last year in The Everest the clear long term target.

“She’s definitely got options, the Everest is there… whatever you take her to she’s going to be very competitive. She’s just got that explosive turn of foot.”

Schofield, who has built a strong partnership with the filly, praised both her temperament and versatility.

“She just makes it easy, she’s bombproof to ride,” he said.

“She can be wherever you want her to be and then produce that turn of foot. It’s really breathtaking.”

Sales info: Tempted is a homebred for Godolphin.

Pedigree info: Tempted is the second stakes winner for G2 Magic Night Stakes winner Calliope (Exceed And Excel), alongside multiple Group winner Kallos (Medaglia d’Oro {USA}). She descends from G1 VRC Oaks winner Bulla Borghese (Belong To Me {USA}), with the family also producing Godolphin stakes performers Bacchanalia, Aquitaine and Zethus, all by Exceed And Excel.