The 2014 Queen Elizabeth Stakes odds of It’s A Dundeel have shortened significantly since the barrier draw was conducted last night and the five-time Group 1 winner is the clear market mover in betting markets for the $4 million race at Royal Randwick on Saturday.
James McDonald is hoping to steer It's A Dundeel to his sixth Group 1 victory in the 2014 Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Photo by: Steve Hart
It’s A Dundeel opened at Queen Elizabeth Stakes odds of $6, but he has been backed into a quote of $4.80, following the barrier draw for the Group 1 event last night, and the betting support is expected to continue for the popular galloper.
Murray Baker revealed yesterday that he believes It’s A Dundeel is at peak fitness for the Queen Elizabeth Stakes and jockey James McDonald told Sky Racing HQ this morning that he agreed with the leading New Zealand trainer and could not be happier with the condition of the High Chaparral entire.
“He is flying and I think that he has caught up,” McDonald said.
“This is the race that he has been targeted for and obviously we have all been disappointed that he hasn’t won one of the lead-up races, but to be fair he has come second, third and second.
“I think that he is ready put his foot in the till and put a one next to his name.
“It would be great to send him out a winner.”
It’s A Dundeel has not recorded a race win since he upset glamour mare Atlantic Jewel to win the Group 1 Underwood Stakes (1800m) at Caulfield on September 21 last year, but McDonald has been happy with the performances of the four-year-old in the Group 1 Chipping Norton Stakes (1600m), Group 1 Ranvet Stakes (2000m) and Group 1 The BMW (2400m).
McDonald believes that It’s A Dundeel has had excuses for each of his defeats during the 2014 Sydney Autumn Racing Carnival and is confident that the future stallion prospect can return to winning form in what is set to be the final race start of his career.
“He started off over a mile and that probably just took the guts out of him for the Ranvet,” McDonald said.
“The Ranvet he finished a tired third and then he was trying to get to a mile and a half third-up where he ran a flashing second and was taking ground off the winner and his closing sectionals were very good.
“I reckon that dropping back in distance is going to suit him and fourth up definitely suits him.”
Carlton House remains a narrow favourite in 2014 Queen Elizabeth Stakes betting markets, at odds of $3.50, from the in-form Silent Achiever ($4.60), It’s A Dundeel ($5) and Doncaster Mile runner-up Royal Descent ($8).
