This afternoon’s Queen Elizabeth Stakes has all but been conceded to fall the way of equine superstar Winx, however Doncaster Mile runner-up Happy Clapper has received plenty of attention from punters in the hours leading up to jump at Royal Randwick.
Happy Clapper has firmed in 2017 Queen Elizabeth Stakes betting markets. Photo: Steve Hart
Happy Clapper has been a strong and consistent performer for Pat Webster throughout his entire racing career so far and appears to have returned to racing in his best form to date this time.
Having run a close second in the Listed National Sprint (1400m) in Canberra first-up on March 5th, the son of Teofilo progressed to a dominant win in the Group 3 Newcastle Newmarket Handicap (1400m) a fortnight later.
Unlucky to finish a close second in the Group 1 Doncaster Mile (1600m) last weekend after making up plenty of ground late, Happy Clapper has firmed in from his opening Queen Elizabeth Stakes odds of $19 to remain firm on the third line of betting at a $16 quote.
Godolphin runner Hartnell has maintained his position on the second line of Queen Elizabeth Stakes betting this week, but has continued to drift to a current quote of $14.
Undoubtedly finding his best form to date through a glittering Spring Carnival campaign in 2016, Hartnell resumed this time for second behind Winx in the Group 2 Apollo Stakes (1400m), but went missing when eighth in the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m) second-up.
Having responded well for second in the Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) last time out, the Authorized gelding has drawn into the Queen Elizabeth Stakes on the rails and will be partnered by James Doyle.
Runner-up in 2016, The United States has also been abandoned in Queen Elizabeth Stakes betting markets; drifting out to a $26 quote after opening at $15.
The United States was a standout for Macedon Lodge throughout the entire 2016 racing calendar, but is yet to bring his best form to the track through three starts this time.
Running a handy third in the Group 2 Peter Young Stakes (1800m) first-up, the son of Galileo could only managed fifth in the Group 1 Australian Cup (2000m), before running third in the Ranvet Stakes at his most recent appearance.
Winx has maintained her clear favouritism at Queen Elizabeth Stakes odds of $1.10, however online bookmaker Ladbrokes.com.au is offering $2 for the champion mare to win this afternoon’s feature race.
