Verry Elleegant to leave Sydney racing after Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick

Champion mare and fan favourite Verry Elleegant could farewell Sydney racing after the Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick on Saturday. Here’s why

Verry Elleegant, the champion mare and fan favourite, could farewell Sydney racing after the Group 1 $4 million Longines Queen Elizabeth Stakes at Royal Randwick on Saturday.

There is speculation this could be Verry Elleegant’s last Australian start with an overseas race campaign under consideration for later this year – and she won’t have a bigger stage to exit than Saturday’s race.

The Queen Elizabeth Stakes has been dubbed the “race of the century” such is the sheer quality of the likely field.

Verry Elleegant, ridden by James McDonald, returns to the mounting yard after winning the Lexus Melbourne Cup at Flemington Racecourse on November 02, 2021. Picture: Getty.

Verry Elleegant with strapper Rocky Mangat at Rosehill. Picture: John Feder/ The Daily Telegraph.

Reigning Horse of the Year Verry Elleegant is the $3.50 favourite despite going into the Queen Elizabeth Stakes off a last start defeat when second to Montefilia in the Ranvet Stakes.

Chris Waller, trainer of Verry Elleegant, maintains his mighty mare is ready to run at her best in what could be a career-defining race on Day Two of The Championships.

“Verry Elleegant is really good and she will strip a bit fitter,’’ Waller told The Daily Telegraph.

Verry Elleegant at the Chris Waller Stables. Picture: John Feder/ The Daily Telegraph.

“I’ve been happy with Verry Elleegant since and she will be ready for her ‘Grand Final’ on Saturday.’’

Verry Elleegant’s regular rider James McDonald said the mare has continued to work well at training since her last start loss.

“It looks like we will get another wet Randwick track and that holds no fears for us,’’ McDonald said.

“If she brings her ‘A Game’ she will be very hard to beat in what is a cracking, cracking race.’’